News

Paul Risbridger is the man who runs the Kawasaki Racing Team effort on the ground, a link between all the people who come together to make up Kawasaki's Superbike World Championship team. He is one of a select band of people who have had the chance to not only see up close, but already had the chance to work with, the new Ninja ZX-10R. In a Q&A session at the Nürburgring round last weekend, Risbridger (second from right) answered some questions about the new Kawasaki, and the team's hopes in 2011.

Q: What were your initial impressions of the 2011 Ninja's ZX-10R's suitability for WSBK racing when you saw the first pictures of it?
Risbridger: The bike is clearly a completely new design and looked ready to match the new breed of superbikes. The racing DNA is clear to see and matched our expectations from the start.

Q: So you have managed to test the new bike already?
Risbridger: Yes, we had our first opportunity at Almeria last week and had a very productive two days despite the very high track temperatures.

Q: First test impressions?
Risbridger: Excellent, the chassis is nimble and already it holds a good line. The engine is an early specification but has a really smooth power delivery and corner speeds are already positive. This bike has great potential and we have six months to turn potential into track performance

Q: What are your further expectations for your 2011 build up, test and race schedule - is 2011 going to be the busiest season ever for the staff?
Risbridger: We are extremely busy, no August break for us this year! As far as I am concerned 2011 has already started and we will be flat out through to the first race in February. This will not only apply to the technical team but we have to gear up for the launch and press activities, review the team image, and if necessary make adjustments to our structure and personnel as the test programme and rider details are confirmed.