The ink isn't quite dry yet, but the deal is done: Former champion Erwan Nigon will ride the Kawasaki ZX-10R for Weber Motos in the IDM Superbike 1000 class in 2019. The French rider and team boss Emil Weber have now put their agreement in writing at the motorcycle show in Zurich.
The signing of the contract also marks the end of a long and difficult process for Kawasaki Germany . The importer supports the Swiss team, but the rider situation remained unresolved for a long time. For a long time, Danny de Boer—who replaced the unsuccessful Mathieu Gines last season—was considered the favorite. However, the Dutch rider withdrew during the winter due to health issues and is taking a break. It was no easy task to find a strong lineup of riders.
“But we always have a Plan B up our sleeve,” said Kawasaki manager Carsten Haufe shortly after the new year began. A few German candidates were in the running, but it was ultimately chief mechanic Kurt Stückle who brokered the deal with Erwan Nigon. He has known the now 35-year-old Frenchman for what feels like an eternity and was also there when Nigon won the IDM Superbike championship on a BMW in 2012. Nigon spent the last few years in the Endurance World Championship on a Kawasaki, which could be an advantage.