Savadori joins Torres in Pedercini Kawasaki 2020 WorldSBK line-up

Pedercini Kawasaki has confirmed it will grow to a two-person effort for the 2020 World Superbike Championship after signing MotoE racer Lorenzo Savadori alongside Jordi Torres.

A return to the WorldSBK ranks for Savadori, who competed on Aprilia machinery for three seasons between 2016 and 2018, though he is yet to step on the podium he did accumulate 17 top six finishes in that time. 

For 2020, Savadori joins WorldSBK stalwarts Team Pedercini, which will swell to accommodate the Italian alongside its current rider, WorldSBK race winner Torres.

The move also represents a return to Pedercini for Savadori after he competed with the Italian stalwarts in 2014 at Superstock 1000 level. More recently he has been competing in the new MotoE World Cup, but his Pedercini Kawasaki deal will see him committed to WorldSBK for both 2020 and 2021.

“I am really happy to come back to the MOTUL FIM World Superbike Championship and especially on a Kawasaki Ninja ZX10-RR run by Team Pedercini Racing by Global Service Solutions. This is certainly going to be a great adventure and, needless to say, I will give my 100% from the word go. 

“I would like to thank Lucio and all the team that gave me this chance and warmly welcomed me. I cannot wait to get on track to test the bike and work at all the details for season 2020.”

A long-time Kawasaki partner, Pedercini is enjoying a positive 2019 WorldSBK season thanks to Torres. The Spaniard has become a regular top ten contender this season, recording a best finish of sixth at Laguna Seca.

Pedercini grows as 2020 WorldSBK grid takes shape

Team Pedercini’s decision to return to a two rider WorldSBK team for the first time in 2016 is a positive step in the right direction for a series that has impressed with quality but struggled for quantity in 2020.

Indeed, all 18 full-time entries are expected to be back on the 2020 WorldSBK grid, but there is expected to be at least two more Hondas – entered by HRC – in the pack raising the Fireblade contingent to five alongside the Moriwaki Althea and Althea Mie set ups.

Following Pedercini’s lead, Ten Kate Racing is also rumoured to be considering a second machine, bringing the Yamaha contingent up to six.

As for other changes, Orelac Racing – which currently runs Kawasakis – is rumoured to be considering a switch to BMW.