About the Superbike World Championship
The Superbike World Championship, a series recognised by the FIM (International Motorcycling Federation), is the pinnacle of production-based road racing. Centred in Europe, the series travels around the globe, with 12 rounds planned for the 2023 season. Each round features 3 races*; the rider who accumulates the most points over the year becomes world champion. To be eligible to compete, machines must be production models that meet FIM homologation requirements and be powered by 4-stroke 3- or 4-cylinder engines displacing 750-1000cc, or 2-cylinder engines displacing 850-1200cc. Because race machine modifications are limited, race performance is seen as a reflection of the performance of production model counterparts, contributing to the popularity of this series.
Between 2015 and 2020, the Kawasaki Racing Team won both the Riders’ and Manufacturers’ titles six consecutive years. This year, with six-time champion Jonathan Rea, alongside teammate Alex Lowes, now in his fourth year with KRT, Kawasaki will be aiming to reclaim both titles.
* Race 1 and Race 2 are held on Saturday and Sunday afternoon respectively, with points awarded to the top 15 finishers. A sprint race held Sunday morning offers additional points for the top 9 finishers and determines the top 9 starting positions for Race 2.
Riders
Kawasaki Racing Team
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- #65
- Jonathan Rea
- Superbike
- Date of Birth|2 Feb 1987
Career Highlights
2022 3rd Superbike World Championship 2021 2nd Superbike World Championship 2020 1st Superbike World Championship 2019 1st Superbike World Championship 2018 1st Superbike World Championship 2017 1st Superbike World Championship 2016 1st Superbike World Championship 2015 1st Superbike World Championship 2014 3rd Superbike World Championship 2013 9th Superbike World Championship 2012 5th Superbike World Championship 2011 9th Superbike World Championship 2010 4th Superbike World Championship 2009 5th Superbike World Championship 2008 2nd Supersport World Championship 2007 2nd British Superbike Championship 2006 4th British Superbike Championship 2005 16th British Superbike Championship -
- #22
- Alex Lowes
- Superbike
- Date of Birth|14 Sep 1990
Career Highlights
2022 6th Superbike World Championship 2021 8th Superbike World Championship 2020 6th Superbike World Championship 2019 3th Superbike World Championship 2018 6th Superbike World Championship 2017 5th Superbike World Championship 2016 12th Superbike World Championship 2015 10th Superbike World Championship 2014 11th Superbike World Championship 2013 1st British Superbike Championship 2012 4th British Superbike Championship
Machine(s)
With racing regulations becoming stricter every year, production model base performance becomes an increasingly important factor. For the Superbike World Championship, the Kawasaki Racing Team is fielding factory-prepped Ninja ZX-10RR machines. Even as a model in Kawasaki’s flagship supersport Ninja ZX-10R Series, the Ninja ZX-10RR stands out, having been developed with circuit performance and World Superbike victory in mind. Lightweight pistons, titanium connecting rods, fine-tuned suspension settings, and forged Marchesini wheels further elevate the standard model’s engine performance and handling, while a VAI (Variable Air Intake) system* delivers increase mid-range power and a more linear torque curve on the 2024 model. In compliance with the latest racing regulations, meticulous factory tuning sharpens the stock Ninja ZX-10RR into a championship-winning track weapon.
※ Designed for circuit use, the VAI system does not function when the bike has not been fitted with a race-kit ECU and sub-controller.
