Barbera: "I was able to understand the bike and find a good set up"
Spanish rider prepares for his WorldSSP debut
Fresh off the back of a two day test in Italy, Hector Barbera is preparing for his FIM Supersport World Championship debut and was able to make the most of his track time with the Kawasaki Puccetti Racing Team. Swinging his leg over the ZX-6R for the first time around Imola and Mugello circuits this week, it was two valuable days for the whole team.
As preparations begin for the final four rounds of the season, starting with the Nolan Portuguese Round from 14th – 16th September, the experienced MotoGP™ rider was happy with his two days out on track. Feeling content with the set up they have already found, Barbera feels he is ready for his first race.
“I am very happy,” begins the 31 year old. “Yesterday it went really well at Mugello Circuit and today I was finally able to ride for the first time ever at Imola. It is really an incredible layout and probably one of the most beautiful circuit I have ever been. I worked very well with the team and the feeling with it is good. During these two positive days I was able to learn the bike and we already found a good setup to start from on our first race weekend together. We are ready for Portimao! Even if it is a new race track for me, I have high expectation from that weekend after this two-day test”.
Manuel Puccetti adds: “We are really happy after this two-day test with Héctor. He is a very experienced rider, he is really professional and he was able to find himself at ease on the bike and with the team since the very beginning. Yesterday at Mugello he made 57 laps and he was immediately strong on the bike! Sincerely, I didn’t expect that! At the end of the day we decided to continue testing to allow Barberá to make more km on the bike. We moved to Imola where we found a favourable weather and less traffic on track compared to Mugello. We are really satisfied after these two days of work and ready to face our first race weekend together at Portimao!”.
Follow all of Barbera’s progress as he embarks on a new venture in Portugal, all with the WorldSBK VideoPass.
