The 2025 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship start is getting nearer and nearer, and more teams are unveiling their 2025 projects at stunning launch events. Kawasaki’s launch took place in Italy recently with Manuel Puccetti’s team running the factory Kawasaki effort this season. Garrett Gerloff (Kawasaki WorldSBK Team) has joined the team to race for his third manufacturer in WorldSBK and, dressed in the famous Kawasaki green after a strong winter testing programme, the #31 will be aiming to be a regular rostrum contender this season.

GERLOFF SAYS: “The tests were important, and positive… I can’t wait to get down to work and racing!”

Gerloff has tested a few times on the ZX-10RR machine as he adjusts to the third manufacturer he’s raced for, with Kawasaki joining Yamaha and BMW on the Texan’s list. He was a podium finisher with his first two across five seasons and will be looking to make it three out of three he stands on the podium for. At the launch event, the American said: “After testing and the presentation, I can’t wait for the 2025 season to start. The tests were important, and positive, but I can’t wait to get down to work and race, battling with the other riders. Right now, I feel very comfortable with the Ninja ZX-10RR and with the team, but we’ll only know our real potential once we get out and race. I’m sure we can fight at the front. I want to thank the team and Kawasaki for all work they’ve done and continue to do to put me in the best possible position.”

“THIS IS AN HISTORIC MOMENT FOR US” – Puccetti on representing Kawasaki’s factory effort

Puccetti’s team has run Kawasaki machinery for a long time but, with Bimota returning to the Championship and partnering with Provec Racing, his eponymous outfit now have the chance to run as the factory Kawasaki team in 2025. Discussing this and the upcoming season, Puccetti stated: “I’m pleased and proud to have presented our 2025 team in front of representatives from Kawasaki Italy, Kawasaki Europe and Kawasaki Japan, as well as our sponsors, confirming our new role as the Akashi manufacturer’s factory Ninja team. This is an historic moment for us, and one that brings great responsibility and motivation. We have everything we need to be able to fight for the podium in WorldSBK and in WorldSSP where we have a new bike that already showed real potential during testing.”

CAN IT GET ANY CLOSER? Follow the Gerloff-Kawasaki partnership throughout 2025 using the WorldSBK VideoPass!