Kawasaki looks to build WSB interest with team launch

The role of official team launches has always posed something of a question mark for teams and manufacturers but for Steve Guttridge from Kawasaki Europe, having a high profile and ever evolving pre-season launch is an important part of drumming up public interest and focus. He contends that this is especially true for a championship that starts so early in the season. “I think it I very easy not to do an event like this, because everyone is busy, everyone is focused on getting the bikes ready for the first race and a launch is a big effort,” said the man responsible for the efforts of Sykes and Rea. “But it is a big effort that is worthwhile.”

He continued, “If you get a time that is just dedicated to the launch of the new team, the new bike image and the sponsors, then you appreciate what the team does, what the sponsors do, etc.  Also, as regards how this particular team operates, we had the Sports Minister from Barcelona here, putting motorcycling on the map – on the same map as their premier football club and some of the best athletes in the world.”

“When you come and see how interested the Spanish media people are in our project, you would not even question how important it is to have this presentation,” said Guttridge. “The main TV channel is here, it is busy, so why would we have a thought not to do it? In particular this year the presentation helps to show our new rider Jonathan Rea that this is Kawasaki, this is what we do, instead of just saying “Hi Johnny, last year we did a launch and this year we cannot be bothered.” It was important, and he understands it.”