MotoGP: Kawasaki 'Screamer' needs time - says Olivier Jacque

Olivier Jacque reckons it is too early to accurately judge the true potential of Kawasaki’s new Screamer MotoGP motor.

Poor weather at last weekend’s IRTA test in Jerez wrecked Kawasaki’s hopes of a second test for the new firing order four-cylinder motor, which made its public debut last month (January) in Sepang.

With Olivier Jacque still unable to give the engine its first serious evaluation in Spain, the French rider said it was hard to predict when the motor might be race ready.

“In Malaysia it was quite difficult to ride because it was brand new out of the box and we didn’t have the mapping very good.

“It is too early to say at the moment, though I know Kawasaki is keen to race the engine, with the Screamer creating more revs and power,” said the former world 250 champion.

Olivier Jacque said his immediate priority was helping improve the current Big Bang ZX-RR to help John Hopkins turn the bike into a regular podium contender.

“The bike is improved but it needs to turn better during the race. For one lap time it is a good bike and it was amazing in qualifying.

“But we need to improve the chassis and balance because you have problems with turning when the grip is coming down and you struggle with the bike,” said Jacque, who tested new chassis and clutch parts on the Big Bang ZX-RR in Jerez.