WorldSBK Jerez Test: Currie training with Lowes ahead of WorldSSP debut

Former BSS regular Ben Currie enjoyed a successful first test as a World Supersport rider at Jerez this week.

The new Motozoo Racing by Puccetti signing utilised his previous Kawasaki experience to get up to speed quickly on his ZX-6R, running mid-1’44 pace but the close of day two despite navigating a wrist injury.

“I was very excited leading up to this test because it’s my first ever World Supersport test and I think it went really well,” Currie confirmed from Jerez on Thursday afternoon. “Yesterday I didn’t do too many laps because of the wrist injury but today we got an injection this morning, some painkillers in last night so I was able to finish the day strong and hit my target lap time.

“The thing that stood out to me was the tyres,” he continued.

“The tyres are so much better than anything I’ve ever ridden on. The grip is phenomenal and you can push so hard. It was just about understanding how hard you could push.

“With the SC1 already, which is the hardest compound that’s available to us, it’s so much more grip than what I’m used to, so when we put the SC0 on, I didn’t get the full benefit because I’m still trying to understand the limit. That was the most important thing. I think the electronics are pretty limited with the Kawasaki and the bike feels fantastic. I’ve ridden on a Puccetti engine before, so it was just like I remembered. It shouldn’t be too difficult to understand everything and then start to push hard.”

Despite navigating a new championship, team and teammate for 2022, Currie appears to be taking it all in his stride and is confident of the year ahead.

“I didn’t know Jeffrey [Buis] before I arrived here in Jerez so it was good to get to know him and his family. We work together pretty well. We