With the backdrop of their headquarters in Barcelona, Kawasaki Racing Team unveiled their new colours as they prepare to defend their rider and team’s world titles in the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship. With the 2018 outlook being one of embracing the spirit of accepting a challenge of striving for on-track excellence, and never giving up, this was echoed at the event as two stunning ZX10-RR machines were hung from the ceiling and unveiled in stunning style by Jonathan Rea and Tom Sykes.

British rider Rea made history in 2017 as he became the first rider to achieve three back to back WorldSBK titles, and his third with the Kawasaki Racing Team. Staying with the Spanish based team for a fourth season, the 31 year old will hope to extend his 54 wins and 112 podiums with the team which has provided him with so much success. Delighted with the evenings events, he said: “It is always exciting to unveil our new colours. It is when you feel like the season is kicking off for real. It is now time to go racing which I am super-excited about. KRT always pull out the stops when it comes to the team launch and they are making a big deal out of the new liveries. That gives you the feeling that you are walking into something new all the time. To be at a high level event like this makes me proud to be a Kawasaki rider.”

Team-mate Tom Sykes took the world title with Kawasaki Racing Team in 2013, and success with the ZX-10RR has continued to follow. Starting his ninth season with the team, the British born rider has a strong relationship and will be continuing to push for race wins in 2018. Taking an optimistic and positive approach into 2018, Sykes added: “Anything is possible this year and we have had a really good testing programme, taking into account the change in the rules. At this moment I feel we are very well prepared. The launch itself at the team’s HQ was absolutely fantastic and everyone involved has done a really good job. It is very fitting, and this amount of effort is a great way to start the season.”

Keep up with Kawasaki Racing Team’s progress throughout the season all with the WorldSBK VideoPass.