Takahashi and West: two new faces for the end of the WSBK 2017 season
The Honda Red Bull and Kawasaki Puccetti teams will welcome two new riders this weekend in Portugal for the tenth round of the Superbike World Championship: Takumi Takahashi will drive the CBR1000RR SP2 from Hayden to Portimao then to Jerez, Anthony West will ride the ZX-10RR from Krummenacher to Losail…
After having been driven by the American and then by the Italian, the late Fireblade will be entrusted to the Japanese driver Takumi Takahashi during the next two events of the World Superbike 2017, in Portimao then in Jerez !
"I am honored", declares the three-time winner of the Suzuka 8H (2010, 2013 and 2014). "As a rider who has always fought to race at the world level, my successes and my experience were recognized and I got the opportunity to ride in the Superbike World Championship".
Wild-card rider during five Japanese Grand Prix in three different categories (125, 250 and MotoGP!), Takumi managed to register his first points during his last invitation to Motegi: it was, on a jointly aligned RCV by HRC and Nissin.
Although magnificent, the 12th place won in the wet track race by the Honda rider had been somewhat eclipsed by the 8th place of his compatriot Katsuyuki Nakasuga aligned by Yamaha on an additional M1 … At least in World Superbike at the weekend next, Takahashi will be the only Japanese registered !
"I will use all the experience I have gained riding the CBR1000RR Fireblade SP2 in the All-Japan Championship to aim high and bring my contribution to the team", promises the n ° 72 Japanese. "I would like to give my best in front of the Superbike fans and I hope they can’t wait to see me".
Japan and Australia enter the race…
Another rider from the other side of the world will make his return to World Superbike in Portimao: the Australian Anthony West has just been appointed by the Kawasaki Puccetti team as Randy Krummenacher’s replacement for the entire end of the season (Magny-Cours and Losail included) !
Falling heavily during the third free practice session at the Lausitzring three weeks ago, "Krummenator" injured his right wrist. "As he prepared for Portugal’s next Prosecco DOC Round, his injury worsened", his team tells us.
"When I resumed training, the pain was accentuated", testifies the Swiss n ° 88: "I followed the opinion of a specialist and had an MRI which revealed fractures". Operated yesterday, the Ninja – also fresh dad – will have to take a break of 10 to 12 weeks in order to fully recover…
In great shape, Anthony West did not hesitate for long before accepting Manuel Puccetti’s proposal: "I am really happy that I was offered this opportunity to return to WorldSBK with Kawasaki in a team such as Puccetti Racing ", rejoices the one who already had brilliantly at Pedercini.
Accustomed to blows of brilliance, the Australian n ° 13 climbed on the third step of "his" podium in World Supersport at. A feat he had, as well as in the company of the rookie Krummenacher !
Absent from the Thai WSSP 2017 event and forfeit the next one in Aragon (his R6 had burned down in Superpole!), Anthony then scored points in each race: 14th in Assen, 11th in Imola, 7th in Donington Park, 10th in Misano and 8th at the Lausitzring: he totaled 46 points to date.
Seventh in the provisional Supersport standings but unable to compete for the title against Lucas Mahias (121 points) and Kenan Sofuoglu (120!), West did not hesitate for long when he was offered the controls of the Kawasaki Puccetti n ° 88 !
"I would also like to thank my EAB West Racing team for understanding my choice and for giving me the chance to seize this opportunity. Bakel Ferry and Peiro have worked hard to continue in Supersport this year and it is thanks to their efforts that I had the opportunity to return to WorldSBK ", underlines the hyperactive rider, who participated in World Supersport on R6, Moto America on RSV4 and Russian Superbike on ZX-10R !
"I am excited to end the season with a new bike and a new team. I can’t wait to travel to Portugal to get to know the Puccetti Racing team." A very high level team since it has been preparing the ZX-6R of Turkish champion Kenan for four years … but which still has to progress with the ZX-10RR !
To follow closely on MNC: stay connected !
Related articles
-
10-13 Portugal – Portimão – WSBK: Tom Sykes and Kawasaki separate at the end of 2018 – Used KAWASAKI
WSBK: Tom Sykes and Kawasaki separate at the end of 2018 Centerpiece of Kawasaki’s return to the top of the Superbike hierarchy in 2013, Tom Sykes has…
-
WSBK Portimao test: Rea mate the Ducatis and chaperone Razgatlioglu Twelve riders took part in a test day the day after the 2017 World Superbike event in…
-
WSBK 2019: Van der Mark and Lowes stay on factory Yamaha The two official Yamaha riders will keep their World Superbike handlebars for next season!…
-
WSBK – World Supersport 2018: Anthony West uses the Sofuoglu method – KAWASAKI occasions
World Supersport 2018: Anthony West uses the Sofuoglu method After two very disjointed seasons, Anthony West will land in WorldSBK . In 2018, he will…
-
WSBK guide: teams, drivers and challenges for the 2012 season The World Superbike Championship (WSBK) is playing its 25th season this year! Site will…
-
Guintoli at Kawasaki Puccetti for the last two WSBK 2017 races Winner of the British Superbike round at Assen on Suzuki, Sylvain Guintoli will take the…
-
10-13 Portugal – Portimão – Anthony West again suspended for doping –
Anthony West suspended again for doping Anthony West has just been suspended by the FIM following a positive doping control. The Australian will not be…
-
Official: Razgatlioglu to replace Lowes at Yamaha in 2020 After five years of constant progress within the private Kawasaki Puccetti team (in Superstock…
-
WSBK Portugal (2): Rea doubles the goal of a third coronation One month after Davies’ double at the Lausitzring, Rea won twice in Portimao! The No.1…
-
WSBK Portugal (1): Ninja Jonathan Rea goes green… Extremely fast in practice and in Superpole, Jonathan Rea confirmed his great form in Portimao by…