A late change of plan for the final tests of the 2024 pre-season saw the WorldSSP riders have a long single day of track action in the DWO Official test at Phillip Island, on 19 February. The weather proved to be kind, with just some headwinds and the occasional red flag stoppage holding back proceedings.

Can was overall sixth at the end of the eight available hours of track time during the tests, and now looks forward to taking part in his fourth season of WorldSSP racing inside the overall Kawasaki Puccetti Racing set-up.

Still only 20 years old Can has already been a race winner in WorldSSP on his Ninja ZX-6R, but has had to come back from a serious left arm injury in the past few months. An operation in November has proved successful and he now approaches the first round of 2024 in typically confident fashion. He has 14 podium finishes to his credit overall, and two races at PI to add to that total in a matter of days.

Can Öncü, stated: “The tests went well. In the first session we had a few setup issues but my team worked this out and we were then able to find a really good solution, especially in terms of the tyre consumption. I really like the new asphalt because it offers a lot of grip, but tyre management will be crucial in the races. Physically speaking, everything went well and I have to say that my last surgery has definitely helped. The tests are now completed and on Friday we get going for real.”

Marcel Brenner (Viamo Racing by MTM Kawasaki) competes for a new-look team in 2024, and finished the single test day in Australia in 19th place.

Former official rider Hikari Okubo (Vince 64 Kawasaki) returns to the class for another full season of action. Gabriele Giannini is the Prodina Kawasaki rider for the 2024 season.

The second round of the WorldSSP championship will take place at the Circuit de Barcelona - Catalunya, between 22-24 March 2024.

                                                 #NinjaSpirit