In addition to the new riders, a European chassis programme has been formed with Suter Racing Technology - a Swiss-based company specialising in motorcycle engineering, development and manufacture, who have previously worked with the likes of Foggy Petronas, Aprilia, Kawasaki and Yamaha.
"We have created a very good group, together with the Japanese engineers, and are getting the best from Japan and Europe," revealed company founder and former racer Eskil Suter. "I think we can get the most benefit for KHI (Kawasaki Heavy Industries) and our company. The people from KHI have moved over to Switzerland and I think that's a key point."
"Development and feedback over the past year has helped us build a new, more potent, Ninja ZX-RR," said a message from Shinichi Morita, president of consumer products and machines at Kawasaki Heavy Industries.
"The team has adapted to the hectic pace of
MotoGP and being familiar with the circuits will help each member to focus on the job in hand and work as an efficient part of a unified whole.
"With the recent developments amongst the major teams and riders,
MotoGP in 2004 will be more exciting than ever. And Kawasaki stands ready to face the challenge. Having completed our inaugural year, we are ready to up the pace and see our lime green machines running with the leaders of the pack."
More reaction from the Kawasaki launch to follow throughout the weekend...