The MSS Colchester Kawasaki team started their season today, ending months of eager anticipation, as they got their first chance to test out the new Ninja ZX-10R at the Spanish circuit of Cartagena.

The team completed their first laps of the circuit today as they begin the extensive development of the new bike. For Gary Mason it was his first chance to ride the new Kawasaki; however Stuart Easton is now looking to use the time he spent with Kawasaki's World Superbike team in Sepang to provide MSS with valuable data and feedback over the next few days on circuit.

Easton said: "It was a very steady day for us on track today and I didn't get out on the bike until after lunch as we wanted to make sure everything was one hundred percent before rushing out on to the track. I did the final two 25 minute sessions of the day and that got the ball rolling so I am really ready to get into it for tomorrow. We have to remember we are starting from the very beginning so it is going to take a while to get up and running, but we expected that. We are comfortable after what we have achieved today, so tomorrow we can really hit the ground running."

Mason said: "It has been a good day and like Stuart said it has been a case of taking baby steps today as we are starting from scratch. It would be unrealistic to think that we could come out and run at lap record pace, but for me I have just enjoyed being out on the bike and getting some laps in. The new Kawasaki clearly has a lot of potential to turn it into the race ready animal we know it can be - it just will take time and laps. We are all excited though about the development of the bike and looking forward to really knuckling down tomorrow."

Image: Double Red/MCN