Th🐟e Italian has the unthinkable job of replacing six-time WorldSBK champion Jonathan Rea at Kawasaki, but is determined to bring his best to the fore.

Bassani has been superb during his time with the Motocorsa Ducati team, but the expectations will now be significantly increased after makin𒆙g ℱthe switch to a full factory seat.

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Aided by the experience of team-mate Alex Lowes, Bassani should be jumping aboard a bike that can fight for podiums, a𒆙lthough the addition of Toprak Razgatlioglu to BMW could see the German brand move ahead of Kawasaki.

With pre-season testing set to begin at Jerez this week, a clear picture of where 🌸Bassani and Kawasaki stand should be provided.  

Speaking 🍌ahead of the test, Bassani said: “The team and Kawasaki worked a lꦗot in the short winter break. 

“There has not been such a long break since the end of testing lastꩲ year and we will start again quite early in the year.ไ 

“We have to do a lot, and quickly, to start the new seasওon. For my part, I have 🍸to stay calm and focus on the job because it is a new challenge for me. 

“A completely different team and a compl🐠etely different bike. I have to learn a lot in my first year aꦅs a factory rider. 

“This is not easy because you have to fight in all the races for podiums or victories, but 🐻I am here for that. I am ready - and wor✅king a lot. I’m really excited to start this new adventure with this special brand.”

Team-mate Lowes is heading into 𝐆his fifth season as a Kawasaki rider and will be expected to lead the team, at least during the early st𒈔ages of 2024.

That’s also true in terms of development, with Lowes already eager to find more potential from his ꧅Z🐭X-10RR.

Lowes said: “The target is to unlock the potential that I have shown with my pace♛, so that we can put together a strong and consistent championship. 

“The January testing kicks off with a test at Jerez and soon after Portimao. Our target is to work on our used tyre performance as we seemed t𓆏o drop more than the others during 2023. 

“We have plenty of ideas and also new stuff to work through during these tes💯t days to give us all the info needed before we head off to Australia. 

“It’s always 🐻nice to get back with the crew and get back t🦩o work. I’ve missed that.”