David Salvador dissatisfied despite Misano victory: "Kawasaki at a disadvantage"

With a win and a fourth place, the Sportbike World Championship race weekend in Misano went very well for David Salvador. In the second race, the Kawasaki rider beat Yamaha rider Carter Thompson by just 0.039 seconds in a thrilling finale, further extending his lead in the overall standings.

As world championship leader, the Spaniard goes into the almost three-month summer break with a 34-point cushion over ProDina team-mate Antonio Torres. The season does not resume until the beginning of September in Magny-Cours. Despite this strong starting position, Salvador was not satisfied after the race, but rather concerned about the current competitiveness of the Kawasaki.

Kawasaki ahead in the world championship, but Salvador sees himself at a disadvantage

"Of course it's a nice feeling. I gave 100 per cent today," said the 22-year-old after his second win of the season. At the same time, he made it clear that, from his point of view, the success was only possible with enormous effort. "It was a difficult race because the Kawasaki is not the best bike on the straights at the moment. We lack top speed and acceleration."

Salvador sees his team at a disadvantage, especially in direct duels. If he has to brake behind a competitor, this costs him valuable speed at the exit of a corner. "For example, if I'm behind an Aprilia and lose some speed in the middle of the corner, it's very difficult to build up my speed again."

This was particularly noticeable in the duel with Carter Thompson. Although the Yamaha riders also claim that their bike has no advantage, Salvador sees things differently. "Thompson overtook all the riders on the straights. That speaks for itself."

According to the Kawasaki rider, however, the problem is not limited to Yamaha. "Actually, all motorbikes are faster. It was practically impossible to overtake Bruno (Ieraci) against the Triumph on Saturday," explained the Spaniard. He was often able to play to his strengths in qualifying, but the situation becomes complicated in close race battles. "Then you have to push extremely hard in every section of the track."

Salvador also pointed out that hardly any Kawasaki riders are able to hold their own at the top of the championship. "If you look at the races, it's usually just Torres or me at the front. Maybe Artigas, because he is also a very good rider. But overall, it's difficult for us."

Will the balance be adjusted in the Sportbike World Championship?

Nevertheless, the world championship leader does not want to concern himself too much with the technical framework conditions. "That's not my responsibility. I concentrate on my work. That's the best thing I can do."

At least there is cause for hope for the Spaniard. According to him, Kawasaki has informed him that there could possibly be adjustments to the balance regulation for Magny-Cours. "Maybe the situation will be a bit better for us. I don't know how it looks for the other manufacturers, but we'll see. That is important. It's also difficult for the team because it's the first year. But everyone has the data."

Despite all the criticism, Salvador should start the summer break with a good feeling. In sporting terms, he once again proved his class in Misano. However, his statements also show that the Spaniard does not yet consider the title fight to be decided - and that he wants more equality of opportunity for the remaining three events of the season in Magny-Cours, Cremona and Jerez, even though three Kawasaki riders are currently leading the riders' standings.