As testing ramps up ahead of the 2021 FIM Supersport World Championship, Michel Fabrizio (Motozoo Puccetti Racing) got his first taste of the Kawasaki ZX-6R he’ll be racing with in 2021 as the Italian embarks on a comeback having not raced in WorldSSP since 2005 and not in WorldSBK since 2015. Fabrizio joins the all-new Motozoo Puccetti Racing outfit for the upcoming season as he lends his experience to the new team.

36-year-old Fabrizio, who has four WorldSBK wins to his name, completed a one-day test at the Vallelunga circuit, situated north of Rome, as he prepares for his WorldSSP comeback. The 4.085km circuit hosted Fabrizio as he took to his Kawasaki ZX-6R for the first time since his comeback was announced.

Discussing his return to track action, Fabrizio said: “I am really happy for my return to the track, there was a bit of emotion when you return to ride a bike that will be the protagonist of the world championship and you have four mechanics and a top structure, it is always very beautiful and exciting. There is certainly a lot of work to be done, I must say that I immediately felt comfortable with the engine and chassis.

“These two days were needed to get to know each other better: rider, bike and team. The feeling was immediately spectacular, with the team I resumed the feeling of 2003, the year of the Superstock title, when I was already working with Fabio Uccelli. I have to say we did a good job, I focused on acceleration and braking. We are only at the beginning and the cold certainly did not help us. Obviously, we did not look for performance, we will think about that later, even when the milder temperatures will allow it. Physically I feel good, I'm working hard to be on top for the start of the championship.”

Cold and windy weather were a factor in the test as the team tested on Saturday and Sunday, although Saturday’s running was interrupted by the rain and only completed ten laps. On Sunday, Fabrizio was able to complete another 60 laps despite wet patches remaining on the track.

Team Manager Fabio Uccelli said: “I do not hide the emotion of this first outing on the track. Both because it was the first time with Kawasaki, and because it was really nice to be able to work with Michel with whom I had lived the great 2003 season, when we won the Stock 1000 title. Obviously, we didn't look for the time because the weather conditions did not allow it. We found it very cold and windy too, but for us it was important to check that the bikes were okay and above all to start finding harmony with Michel, the bike, and the team. I must say that we have worked well, and I am very satisfied with these two days. We will return to Vallelunga at the end of the month, hoping to find milder temperatures.”

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