2012 Superbikes: Kawasaki leads Motorland tests as Kenan Sofuoglu injured

Spectacular and haunting performance of the Kawasaki ZX-10R. Although it is something that should not be surprising since since this model was developed the goal has always been victory. It was precisely in this development that the British Tom sykes, who after showing off in British Superbikes the previous season collaborated with Kawasaki to take responsibility for the project as official rider and tester. It is no wonder then that Tom has pulverized the Aragon circuit record, truth?

Because the previous record had been set by Carlos Checa in the 2011 Superpole with a time of 1'58.0 while Sykes, after riding on the soft tires, has stopped the stopwatch at 1'57.4. A giant and hopeful step for a company that after some years without a "good presence" in competition is beginning to reap the fruits of its concentration on series derivatives, see both Superbikes and Supersport or even British Superbikes.

Come on, despite the fact that in Imola the Borgo Panigale bikes should fill the six podium positions - be careful Czech, who lost a golden opportunity in Phillip Island -, Kawasaki is proving to be at the level of the Italian brands that will fight for the title. Nor can we rule out Joan Lascorz, which already in the second race in Australia played a great role that ended, unfortunately, in a fall when he was running after his teammate.

Unofficial times:

Sykes (Kawasaki) 1: 57.2;

Haslam (BMW) 1: 58.2;

• 1. Lascorz (Kawasaki) 1: 58.2;

Biaggi (Aprilia) 1: 58.8;

Melandri (BMW) 1: 59.1;

Laverty (Aprilia) 1: 59.5;

Market (Kawasaki) 2: 00.9

Kenan Sofuoglu, romp in Imola

There he was the turkish pilot fine-tuning the machine with which he will compete in the Italian World Championship in a few weeks. Unfortunately, he suffered a spectacular fall where, among many other bruises, dislocated left knee. The medical team then decided to insert a screw to stabilize the joint so that Kenan could participate in the race fully. Although the injury is not serious and it is expected that the King of Supersport will be present in Italy, he will need several days of rest to be at 100%.