WSB: Michel Fabrizio returns to action in the Supersport class

Michel Fabrizio will make his return to the World Superbike paddock this season after signing for the Team Motozoo by Puccetti Racing squad. 

Fabrizio will compete in the Supersport class after signing for the Kawasaki team, which is a collaboration between Fabio Uccelli’s Motozoo Racing and Manuel Puccetti’s Kawasaki Puccetti Racing. 

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The 36-year-old enjoyed plenty of success during his time in the Superbike class, securing four victories, one pole position and 35 podiums.

Fabrizio’s best campaign came in 2009 whilst riding for the factory Ducati Xerox team. That year the Italian won at Monza, Imola and Portimao and secured a further 12 podiums on his way to third overall in the championship. Fabrizio finished on the podium every season between 2006 and 2013.

“I’m very happy to return to racing and to do so with Team Motozoo by Puccetti Racing, a winning project with competitive bikes and expert technicians, Fabrizio said. “I’m returning to the championship after a five-year hiatus, but as well as being physically fit, I’ve started a training programme that will see me in perfect shape by the start of the Championship.

“I don’t have particular goals other than to give it my all and to battle for the best possible result in every race. I can’t wait to get on my ZX-6R and start to adapt my riding style to my new bike. I thank Fabio Uccelli and Manuel Puccetti for giving me this opportunity and all our sponsors who allow me to return to the championship.”

Fabrizio has experience in the Supersport as well, with his one full-time campaign coming in 2005. Fabrizio finished fifth overall with five podiums. Fabrizio claimed the 2003 Superstock 1000 title with four wins and five podiums in nine races.

Fabrizio will be joined on the grid by Japanese rider Shogo Kawasaki who will compete in the WorldSSP Challenge in 2021. Kawasaki competed with Team Motozoo in 2019 in Italy but was unable to race in Europe through 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“I’m really pleased to be able to continue racing with Motozoo Racing,” Kawasaki commented. ” I had a great 2019 season with them in the CIV SS 300 and I got on very well, scoring good results in what was my debut year in that category.

“Now I’ll be racing with Fabio Uccelli’s team once again, and in the World Supersport Challenge no less, with a great bike like the Kawasaki. This will be my first European championship season and so I’ll have a lot to learn, but I’m sure that we can do well!”

As things stand, the opening round of the WorldSSP season will take place at Assen on April 23-25.