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After years of hard work and success, Manuel Puccetti has finally crowned his dream of seeing his team invested with the role of factory team. Last night's presentation in Reggio Emilia in fact sanctioned a historic moment for the Reggio Emilia-based outfit, which has passed to all intents and purposes from the status of a private team to that of Kawasaki's benchmark team in the Superbike and Supersport World Championships.
A certificate of esteem from the Akashi manufacturer, which goes towards sealing the results achieved in the more than 20-year association with the Puccetti team. Ready to raise the bar in this 2025, in which it will field Garrett Gerloff in the premier class and Jeremy Alcoba in Supersport.
"For us to become an official Kawasaki team in the top two categories is a milestone, the achievement of a dream. Taking this last step is a huge satisfaction and also a big responsibility, but we are confident that we can have a great season in both Superbike and Supersport," Manuel told us on the sidelines of the evening, without hiding his big ambitions for the upcoming season and the near future: "The goal is to have two riders in Superbike in 2026. Kawasaki is aware of that and we will try to have a good season to motivate them to do that."
The level of Superbike continues to rise, but from testing it looks like you have all the right cards to do well.
"Every year it is more and more difficult, however, I am convinced that Garrett will give us a good time. There is a good feeling between him, the bike and the team. He is a good guy, always sunny and smiling, and I expect a great season as early as Phillip Island, because we did a lot of winter testing and I think we really have the numbers to do well right away."
Did you expect Gerloff to be so fast right away on the Ninja?
"Honestly no, because he was ultra-competitive from day one. We realized right away that the potential was really high, plus the fact that he didn't run into any crashes and didn't even go straight into the gravel suggests that maybe there is still something we can squeeze out. I think we can often be in the top 5 and even make some podiums."
Could the fact that the ZX-10RR is starting to get a certain age be a bit of a limitation for you?
"I think the bike is rejuvenated thanks to this year's Superconcessions and the injection of upgrades in recent years has made it even more competitive. For me, the strengths of this bike are its braking and corner entry. It has more acceleration now than last year and less inertia under braking, so it's a little easier for the rider in braking and entry."
In Supersport, however, you will be able to count not only on a new rider but also on a new bike.
"Yes, finally the new Ninja ZX-6R with a 636 cc engine has arrived, which on a performance level is definitely much more competitive than the dated Ninja 600. I think it can have a very good season and I think it will be among the bikes to beat in the championship. Alcoba is coming from an injury and needs to take a little more time, but around April-May I think he will be 100 percent fit and when he is physically okay we can aim to be in the Top 3 permanently."
You who know him well, how do you see Razgatlioglu this year?
"I've seen him all fired up. Aside from the index finger injury, he was doubtful about the chassis they were going to use this year, but then in testing he said he's comfortable with that too. He doesn't have any problems. I'm not sure the BMW is the bike to beat, but with him it is: I definitely see him as the favorite."
Do you think he can touch up last year's records?
"In my opinion yes, but I think Bulega will give him a run for his money on many occasions, because he has grown a lot and had an incredible season last year in his Superbike debut. I hope we can complete the podium with Gerloff from time to time."
Do you see Bautista in the game?
"Last year he struggled more than expected, but I don't think it's because of his age, I think it's more because of the injury he had in the winter two years ago and maybe also the extra weight. In my opinion, he is a little less sparkling than before because of a number of situations."
Will this be Toprak's last year in Superbike?
"That's a million-dollar question, which I'll know the answer to around April-May. But I hope he stays here."
