Kawasaki crowned 2017 manufacturers champions
Japanese factory secure third consecutive title alongside Rea
Following the double victory secured by Jonathan Rea at Jerez, Kawasaki have been crowned the 2017 manufacturers world champions this weekend for the third season in succession. With 12 riders scoring points onboard the green machine so far this season, they have scored 549 points overall after a stunning season on track for the Japanese factory, 69 points ahead of next rivals, Ducati.
First entering the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship back in 1988 at the very first race, they were a regular podium finisher in the 1990s and early 2000’s, but have never been able to take a manufacturers title until signing the unstoppable duo of Tom Sykes and Jonathan Rea. With 345 podiums secured, 107 victories, 104 fastest laps and 72 pole positions overall, they are truly making their mark in the WorldSBK history books. Their first victory came around Hungaroring in 1988 with French rider Adrian Morillas, and the 1990’s saw a successful run with Scott Russell. However their recent surge of results came after the signing of Tom Sykes in 2012 and from there the success has not stopped.
With Jonathan Rea adding to this success, as well as their world title tallies, the combination of the British duo has proven a strong one and has meant they would help take Kawasaki to the manufactures titles in 2015 and 2016 – with the help of the other Kawasaki’s on the grid. 2017 has been a stunning season for the ZX-10RR, with 39 podiums and 16 race wins with one round still remaining. Alongside Sykes and Rea, Leon Haslam (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) was able to take a podium spot in a stunning home performance at Donington Park, adding to their success this season.
Taking their 100th victory in Great Britain, the 2017 season has been one to remember for Kawasaki and as the success continues; they will no doubt be setting their sights on Honda in the overall standings with four titles, however they have a long way to go to catch Ducati, with 17 titles so far.
With 50 points remaining to play for and Kawasaki leading by 69 they will be hoping to increase the lead over the final rounds.
