The fourth round of the 2024 Italian Speed Championship was held on the Riviera Romagnola, specifically at the Misano World Circuit, a night-time event with the racing night on Saturday evening that saw the participation in the premier class, Superbike, of Kevin Manfredi from La Spezia, the only rider riding the Suzuki GSX-R 1000 of Team Penta Motorsport.
The weekend was marked by bad luck, which significantly affected the final result and the expectations of the team and rider, eager to obtain better results.
Already during the first tests on Thursday and Friday, Kevin did not have the opportunity to work on the bike's set-up due to the many technical problems.
In qualifying, however, he impressed everyone by taking the Suzuki to 11th place with just 3 laps. In the first race, Kevin gave his all, conquering the top 10 against the Ducati of Team Barni, the current leader of the championship.
Kevin: “It was a short weekend, a few laps in each session, so it is difficult for a rider because you never have the chance to evolve the bike. We raced with an almost stock engine, with a gap of 20 km/h compared to the other bikes. In Race 1 I fought for the top 10, but in Race 2 I had to retire. After the race, with the team we decided that there will have to be a technical change for the future. Our Suzuki is now dated and the support is practically non-existent, so we cannot even begin to fight against the manufacturers that evolve the bikes race after race, we are stuck on the last step made in 2022.
I am happy, however, that the fans and enthusiasts see my effort. I know it is not in vain and that this will be useful for my future. I feel strong in the saddle and ready to fight for the positions that count.”
Despite the various problems, Kevin Manfredi brought the only Suzuki present in the national championships in Europe to the finish line, with very respectable times.
After the fourth round of the CIV SBK, it will now be the turn of the Austrian GP in the MotoE World Championship.
Kevin thanks all the sponsors and technical partners of the 2024 season.
Comments