Champion's Kawasaki reveal four-man factory line-up

Kawasaki has confirmed it will provide factory support to four riders in the 2013 World Supersport Championship under the Mahi Racing Team India banner as it seeks to defend its first title in a decade.

The manufacturer, winners of the 2012 championship with Kenan Sofuoglu and Lorenzini Racing, had previously announced that is entrusting its support to Mahi Racing Team India (formerly known as MSD R-N Team India), with Sofuoglu and Fabien Foret confirmed as its riders.

However, the official unveiling of the team in Mumbai has also revealed that Dan Linfoot and Florian Marino will stay on board for next year, the pair getting a full season having fronted MSD R-N's challenge from its debut during the second-half of 2012.

With the team showing its potential with Linfoot's podium at the season-ending Magny-Cours round, managing direct of Mahi Racing Arun Pandey was excited to be forging forward with rider line-up that blends experience with youth.

"We were targeting mid-table finishes to form a base for the next season. But the team put up a sterling performance and created history by pulling off a podium finish after just five rounds. Our rider Dan Linfoot finished a remarkable third in Magny-Cours, France. Our crew did an outstanding job by setting up the team in such a short time."

Mahi Racing is owned by Indian cricketing star Mahendra Singh Dhoni and is being headed up by respected technical chief Andrew Stone. The team comes into the World Supersport Championship ahead of the series' inaugural visit to India's Buddh International Circuit from 2013.