Mahi Racing 2014 Team Reports – Official SBK Test

After a successful pre-season test in Portimao, the team arrived at Phillip Island this week for the first Official Superbike test of 2014 ahead of the first race of the World Superbike Championship. Kenan Sofuoglu is on the hunt for his fourth World Supersport Title and, being the most prolific World Supersport Rider in history, he is one of the favourites to take the 2014 Title. Kenan set the pace early on day one, thanks to the near perfect weather conditions, with a lap time of 1:33.506 in the very first session. He concluded both days of the test in P1 ahead of rivals PJ Jacobsen and Michael van der Mark.

Fabien Foret is lining up on the World Superbike Grid as part of the EVO Championship in 2014 with his sights firmly set on being a front runner. Fabien spent the first day of the test acclimatising to his new ZX10 and to the warmer Australian weather! A best lap time of 1:32.780 put Fabien 14th in the World Superbike Standings which means 3rd place overall in the Evo standings closely behind factory EVO riders David Salom and Niccolo Canepa.

The team are now looking positively ahead to the first race which takes place at Phillip Island on Sunday the 23rd February.

Kenan Sofuoglu – Rider – World Supersport Championship

“I lost confidence during the first day of the test due to a tyre issue. Because of the heat, the tyre was not lasting race distance. I am almost at the pace I want for the race and I am happy with the team and the bike. I am now focusing on the race and intend to fight for the top step of the podium.”

Fabien Foret – Rider – World Superbike Evo Championship

The bike is running well with no major issues but there is still room for improvement. I was very close to the Provec Evo Kawasaki which I did not expect. I concluded the test in a good position and I am happy with that. I had a lot of fun riding the bike and the transition from the ZX6-R to the ZX10 is exciting. I am looking forward to spending more time on my bike.

Amit Sandill – Mahi Kawasaki Racing Team India – Team Principal

“Mahi Kawasaki Racing Team India has stepped up the game with Kenan Sofuoglu gunning for his 4th World Championship Title, being the most successful rider of all time in the Supersport (600cc) class. With Fabien Foret on the new EVO Superbike (1000cc) category, we are brimming with confidence and will bring the fight to the competition. Both the classes are extremely competitive and, no doubt, we will have to work really hard to get good results, but the riders and team are keen and charged up”