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Kawasaki Racing Team launched the new ZX-10R in Barcelona on Thursday in a team presentation both celebrating past success and confirming their continued quest for glory. The team, based near the Catalan capital, paid tribute to the bike’s predecessors before introducing its newest incarnation as Rea and Sykes took to the stage to discuss the new bike and their winter preparations ahead of 2016. The new Ninja and livery was then unleashed.

Rea, who had been suffering with illness during the most recent pre-season test sessions, said “Most bikes I’ve ever ridden, you see them and it takes some time but when I saw the bike at photo shooting last week I was like ‘Wow, they got that design right!’  I’m really excited about riding it, especially with the first Round coming up in two weeks. I can’t wait to race now, it’s been a long winter!”

Sykes is looking to bounce back after a challenging year in 2015, pointing out however that a difficult season ending in a third place in the title fight was still an incredible position to envy. The Yorkshireman equally looks ahead to the coming season with high motivation, eager to get started: “I’m very blessed to have this package and this bike underneath me for 2016. I can’t wait to begin!”

The new Ninja is ready to try and defend the crown as WorldSBK begins at Phillip Island in the southern Australian state of Victoria later in February, with Rea facing down the chance to become the first back-to-back Champion of the new millenium.