Kawasaki Mahi Racing out of the starting blocks

Kenan Sofuoglu and Fabien Foret made their final European test of the winter season at Jerez, finding one dry day of weather in which to test the latest specification Kawasaki Mahi Racing Ninja ZX-6Rs. Even though the first day was wet Sofuoglu set many laps in his quest to find a good set-up on his machine, something he feels had eluded him fully in rainy conditions in 2012 even though he won the title on a Kawasaki last season.

In the dry he found even more improvements in front end feel and performance as he and his peer group experienced much better track conditions than on the first day. Now running his number 1 plate as 2012 Champion Kenan's best lap today was a 1'43.890, the fastest of the whole test in the Supersport class.

Foret, who caught a cold shortly before the tests began, focused most of his energies on the second dry day of action, working on set-up options. He set a best of 1'45.290 but he is confident that when the team get to Australia for the final test, and then the first round itself, they will be on the pace to compete.

David Salom also tested at Jerez for the Intermoto Kawasaki Team, setting a best lap time of 1'46.027.

Kenan Sofuoglu: "Yesterday was very wet sometimes but I am happy that we found good improvements in our wet set-up. I did not have a good feeling until late yesterday in those conditions. By the end of the day we had made a very big improvement. We changed a lot, so I am very happy. I wanted to make a lot of laps in the morning today when the track was drying out. I am leaving here very pleased because at the test in November I had some problems in the dry with the feel on the front, because of my riding style.

Now I am satisfied because they found some suspension improvements for me and they will now go and build some new material to give me a wider range of adjustments to work with. I am sure they will make another improvement so I am happy with the team, the bike and the package. I really wanted to come here to test again before we went to Phillip Island so I could see if the other teams were ready or not, so I am happy that the test went well and that my team will be ready to fight in the first race."

Fabien Foret: "In previous tests we have been unlucky with the weather and then a big crash. Again here we found bad weather weather but today we had a dry track to work on. We took a direction in set-up that we found was not the right one for me and my riding style but now we know what to do. I would have liked to have been on the pace before we go to Phillip Island but I know I will be when we get there. The way of working is good but we have some stuff to adjust to - but that is why we go testing. It is all a learning experience for all of us in this new team."