Axel Bassani ‘starting to feel good’ with Kawasaki, ‘we’re slowly catching Alex Lowes’
Axel Bassani endured two difficult pre-season WorldSBK tests, but the Italian feels as though he’s turning a corner.
Having only ridden for Ducati previously, Axel Bassani switched to Kawasaki for the 2024 WorldSBK season, replacing six-time champion Jonathan Rea in the process.
But that transition was not an easy one for the talented Italian, who finished the Jerez test in 14th before improving by two positions at Portimao.
Bassani was much slower than team-mate Alex Lowes in both tests, however, the former Ducati rider feels like progression is being made.
Bassani told WorldSBK.com: “Now, I’ve started to feel good with the bike; it’s not easy because it’s completely different compared to the Ducati but step-by-step, test-by-test, we’re starting to feel good.
“Having a team-mate is good because you can work with them and learn about their riding. It’s nice and they’re always your first opponent!
“We’re slowly arriving to Alex. We only need to enjoy and find a good way to follow during this winter for next year.”
Bassani has been a consistent presence at the front of WorldSBK during his first three years in the series, and often exceeded expectations in the process.
But now a full factory rider, Bassani will need to produce good results as the pressure increases.
Speaking about his first season in green, Bassani admits the pressure he’s under is no different to before: “The pressure is normal; like last year, I just want to do my best so it’s normal for me.
“I’m really happy to be with Kawasaki, a good team, good guys. I want to take my first win but it’s not easy, as the level is super high and all the riders are good riders.
“We’ll see what happens but if we continue working hard and believing, we will arrive.”
