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The official race report service of Kawasaki Racing Team.

20 April 2022

Kawasaki Riders Aim For Assen Podiums

Can Öncü and Yari Montella enter the second round of the FIM Supersport World Championship season looking to compete for podiums at the classic Assen circuit in the Netherlands.

In the previous WorldSSP round, the season opener at Motorland Aragon, Öncü took a battling third place in Race One only to suffer a technical issue that brought about his retirement on the final lap.

This stroke of unexpected misfortune has increased Can’s already impressive levels of motivation as he looks to take his second podium finish of the season.

Montella is a WorldSSP rookie this year, which made his Race Two seventh place at Motorland a strong and determined first step down his new chosen career path.

After one round and two races Turkish star Can is seventh with 16 points and Montella is overall 12th, with nine points.

The Assen circuit is one of the most historic venues still in permanent use and has been modified, shortened and generally made safer over the decades to keep up with the changing times. Now 4.542km long the current layout still features some unique flowing curves and a final chicane that has been the scene of many memorable last lap battles. 

The forthcoming race weekend at Assen will host track action between  22-24 April, with Race One on Saturday 23 and Race Two on Sunday 24.

After Assen the 12-Round WorldSSP championship moves on to Estoril in Portugal between 20-22 May.

Can Öncü, stated: “I can’t wait to get back on my Kawasaki. After what happened in Race Two at Aragon I’m even more determined and keen to give it my all and score a great result. I work hard each day and I am part of the strongest team, so we’re ready to fight and take on this second championship round.”

Yari Montella, stated: “I’ve never raced at Assen and I am curious to get to grips with it. I hope to get on well right from Friday. The aim is to focus on those areas where we know we still have room to improve. I want to continue to grow so that I can get closer to the front. I’m highly motivated and will give it my all.”

One of several Kawasaki rookies in 2022, Adrian Huertas (MTM Kawasaki) sits in ninth place, with 12 championship points after the opening round at Motorland.
British rider Tom Booth-Amos (Prodina Racing Kawasaki) scored a point in his first WorldSSP outing in Spain. Jeffrey Buis (Motozoo Racing by Puccetti Kawasaki) is looking to take his first point when he gets to his home round in the Netherlands this weekend.

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