As the most successful manufacturer to compete in the previous WorldSSP300 championship inside the WorldSBK paddock, a major change to the FIM Sportbike World Championship (WorldSPB) category in 2026 could have brought about a shift in Kawasaki’s commitment or attitude to the newest full World Championship. In reality, Kawasaki has enthusiastically invested in supporting WorldSPB, particularly via three of its main teams from the WorldSSP300 era. Here is how this exciting initiative is shaping up.

After it had become clear that the previous WorldSSP300 category had achieved all its main goals, one central premise of the new WorldSPB class remained – that being to race production machines of greater engine capacities as the overall paddock’s ‘starter’ category.

As it was conceived, WorldSPB would, in theory, allow a greater number of competing manufacturers. The reality is that there are already six manufacturers fully committed to WorldSPB, two more than the previous WorldSSP300 class with the discretion of a points-scoring wildcard at round one from a seventh manufacturer.

Crucially, the generally larger engine capacities of WorldSPB, all targeting a maximum 90bhp power output across the board, would also provide a more direct link to the WorldSSP and ultimately WorldSBK classes for aspiring riders and teams with the potential to move on at a future date.

Early in the process that led to the new championship, Kawasaki realised that WorldSPB would be an ideal tool for Kawasaki to widen its famous ‘Team Green’ philosophy of not simply encouraging young riders and aspiring teams into two-wheel sport but also creating a clear structure and path for them to progress to other championships, all while working hand in hand with Kawasaki. In addition, the teams are within the Kawasaki WorldSBK team hospitality at each round as an inclusive group benefitting from daily contact and encouragement from Jeremy Alcoba and Dominique Aegerter as well as Superbike rider, Garrett Gerloff. This inclusive approach not only helps and encourages the teams and riders but also provides a visible manifestation of the Team Green ethos.   

Three of Kawasaki’s top teams - and some of their existing riders in the WorldSSP300 class - have not only ported across into WorldSPB in year one, but are fully committed to the Team Green structure. In practical terms, this means they are being supported by their local Kawasaki Branch, and recruiting riders who should excel in both WorldSPB and the next championship they are entered into, which will most logically be WorldSSP, in the first instance.

It is worth noting that Kawasaki has an unassailable record of success in the WorldSSP300 championship, with seven from a possible nine Manufacturers’ Championships, and riders of the calibre of Ana Carrasco, Manuel Gonzalez, Jeffrey Buis (twice), and Adrian Huertas all winning WorldSSP300 Championships on Kawasaki Ninja 400 machines.

The machine used by Kawasaki for the WorldSPB class, the Ninja ZX-6R 636, is an unquestionably accessible option in terms of base model and the cost to convert for racing. This idea fully aligns with the production-derived foundations of the entire series, rather than some rarified machine that does not relate to what is available in retail stores.

One of the three former WorldSSP300 - and now WorldSPB teams - is MTM Kawasaki, which is guided by the experienced hand of Ludo Van der Veken. Once again racing in a distinctive Kawasaki lime green livery, this highly successful racing entity is very close to the Kawasaki Benelux Branch with links that stretch back many years. Having already moved into the WorldSSP class at one time, and produced riders who have moved into bigger classes and other competitions, is a clear illustration of what Kawasaki is trying to achieve. WorldSPB already appears to have the potential to improve the way Kawasaki goes about opening a path for riders and teams to achieve their ambitions now and in the future.

Loris Veneman (MTM Kawasaki) has already won a race in WorldSPB this year, and new signing Xavi Artigas (MTM Kawasaki) has stood on the podium in this, his debut WorldSPB season.

The Italian-based Team ProDina Kawasaki XCI squad, currently leading the WorldSPB championship, also has a Junior Italian CIV Championship team, which is an obvious route for talents to move into the World Championship. ProDina has a close relationship with Italian Kawasaki Branch, KMIT, whether it competes in a global sense or a national one.

Owned by the experienced and ever-enthusiastic Riccardo Drisaldi, this is another team with an enviable CV in the previous WorldSSP300 championship, now making a high-profile move into WorldSPB. After two rounds and four races, David Salvador (Team ProDina Kawasaki XCI) is leading the WorldSP Rider’s Championship, while his team-mate Antonio Torres (Team ProDina Kawasaki XCI) made history by winning the first ever WorldSPB race, at Portimao in late March.

The Kawasaki-powered Deza-Box 77 Racing Team, owned by Luis Castro, has many WorldSSP300 successes to their credit and are already in the thick of WorldSPB competition with their podium-capable recent WorldSSP300 rider Jose Osuna (Deza-Box 77 Racing Team Kawasaki) and new WorldSPB teenage talent, Alvaro Fuertes (Deza-Box 77 Racing Team Kawasaki). They have enjoyed a close relationship with KMES – Kawasaki Spain – over a sustained period.

Juan Risueno (Pons Motosport Italika Racing) and Julian Correa (Pons Motosport Italika Racing) are two further high-quality riders already making their way in the WorldSPB world on Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R 636 machines.

The regular entry list in WorldSPB is an early vote of confidence in terms of riders, teams, and manufacturers. With 30+ riders in a vast array of teams already racing in 2026, seven manufacturers have homologated machines for WorldSPB, and all of them have scored championship points so far.

Ludo Van der Veken, MTM Kawasaki owner, stated: “We were very successful in the 300 class, and after all these years, there was a desire for a new challenge. The transition involved a lot of work and adjustments, especially in the electronics, but in this area, we received good support from Kawasaki as part of their Team Green program  This led to the good results in Portimao, for which we are grateful. It was also an adjustment for our riders, but certainly in a positive sense. I am convinced that we can bring this job to a successful conclusion together with the Kawasaki Team Green group, and I thank KME and Kawasaki Benelux for that. Xavi and Loris are committed. Let's go for it.”

Riccardo Drisaldi, Team ProDina Kawasaki XCI owner, stated: “The new championship is particularly exciting due to the presence of bikes that are currently among the most popular in the market. Above all, it is because of the young fans it attracts. For us, being able to continue competing with young riders and helping them develop, both personally and professionally, is an exciting challenge. We are proud to be the first race-winning team with the first winning rider in the new WorldSPB category. Our previous experience in the WorldSSP300 class has proved to be crucial.

Kawasaki Italy support in the CIV has been constant since our first championship in 2018. That has enabled us to win three Riders’ Championships and two Teams’ Championships - as well as three WorldSSP300 races as wild cards which is a record. We believe that this class will be greatly appreciated by the public, thanks to the type of bikes and the riders involved. They are young and professional, making them the future champions of the higher categories.”

Andrea Sibaja, Deza-Box 77 Racing Team Kawasaki, Team Manager, stated:

“We are very happy to be in the new category, as we were in the very first race of the WorldSSP300 class, at Motorland Aragon in 2017. This year we made the change into WorldSPB and we want everybody to see in us and the riders our hard work and passion.

As an officially supported Kawasaki team the most important thing is the warmth and support we have enjoyed. I think this is a key thing for a team that wants to fight for a title in the World Championship.”

Steve Guttridge, Kawasaki Motors Europe, Race Planning Manager, concluded;

“The Ninja Brand having being been such a core component of the WSS300 category – plus having enjoyed so much race and Championship success with our teams and riders on our Ninja400 model over the last decade - Kawasaki has a vested interest to continue in this new SportBike category for the 2026 season onwards.

Sportbike aligns perfectly with our long-standing Team Green philosophy in that it attracts young and ambitious riders who are focused on climbing the Kawasaki “ladder of opportunity” progressing towards SuperSport and, ultimately, Superbike competition. As an all-encompassing program, Team Green covers our relationship and support of both teams and riders creating an inclusive family atmosphere allied to information sharing and racing success.

The support of key individuals at the circuits, such as Manuel Puccetti and his riders, Fabien Raulo at the KME head office in Europe and Paolo Marchetti in Race Department along with Cui san and Morohara san inside the KMC Motorsport Section in Japan, is a fundamental human factor towards the success of this initiative.

Of course, all of this does not 100% guarantee results in itself, but with the support of all Kawasaki teams and riders involved we think Team Green is the ideal foundation for racing success and personal achievement in Sportbike and beyond”.  

#NinjaSpirit