While Garrett Gerloff (Kawasaki WorldSBK Team) and the majority of the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship field return to a rainy Circuito de Jerez - Angel Nieto, Andalucia, for their first test event of the new year, Kawasaki took the opportunity to launch their 2026 campaign live and direct from the track. Joining him, the Kawasaki WorldSSP team increases to two riders after featuring just rookie Jeremy Alcoba last season, now pairing him with two-time WorldSSP Champion Dominique Aegerter after three seasons in WorldSBK.

GERLOFF GETS SUPPORT: New bike and new crew chief for the American

This will be the second season with the American rider at the helm of their WorldSBK project, this season reinforced by a new 2026 edition of their ZX-10RR bike. Gerloff’s 2026 updates don’t end there, however, as the Texan will be reunited with crew chief Les Pearson, who he hopes will help the team break back into the fight at the front. With the season debut in Australia just around a month away, #31 awaits with plenty of enthusiasm.

In 2026, Gerloff said: “The team and I are excited and keen to start this 2026 Championship. We’ve changed a lot in terms of both the bike and the team, and I’m pleased to be able to work with a new crew chief, whom I’ve already collaborated with in the past, achieving strong results. The other technicians remain the same, and this is important, giving continuity to our work. The tests we’re conducting are important to ensure we head to Australia in the best possible condition and can start the season positively – I have high expectations.”

CHAMPIONSHIP QUALITY: Kawasaki’s WorldSSP Team signs Aegerter to compliment sophomore phenom Alcoba

As for their World Supersport squad, Jeremy Alcoba (Kawasaki WorldSSP Team) returns for his sophomore season in the category after closing out 2025 in a big way, ending his rookie season with podiums in back-to-back rounds at Estoril and Jerez. Joining him in the garage, Dominique Aegerter returns to WorldSSP where he triumphed to be named WorldSSP Riders’ Champion in back-to-back seasons, 2021 and 2022.

On his return for 2026, Alcoba said: "I want to start the 2026 season in the same way we finished 2025 – on the podium. We have the speed and the potential to do it. The team has worked hard, and I feel well prepared. I’m a little nervous if I think about the first races in Australia, but this is positive because it means I’m psyched to just the right point. Our goal is to fight for the podium in every race, and we have everything we need to be able to aim high.”

Aegerter also expressed his excitement for his return to WorldSSP. He said: “I’m pleased to take on this new season with the Kawasaki WorldSSP Team. The tests are very important if we want to be ready for round one at Phillip Island, and I can’t wait to get there. My goal is to build confidence and get back to winning after some difficult seasons. I’m highly motivated and ready to give 110%, and I know I can aim for strong results with the support of such a fantastic team.”

Catch all of Kawasaki’s exploits on track in 2026 with the WorldSBK VideoPass!