Adrian Huertas has been given a surprise outing with the factory Kawasaki Racing Team during the latest in-season WorldSBK test at Aragon as the manufacturer evaluates his future within its fold.

The 2021 WorldSSP 300 Champion has emerged as one of the standout graduates from the entry-level WorldSBK support category since his graduation to the WorldSSP Championship.

The Spaniard is currently in the midst of his second campaign aboard the MTM Kawasaki ZX-6R, scoring a new best finish of fourth at Donington Park and again at Imola.

- 2023 WorldSSP Championship Standings -

The test with Kawasaki, alongside the firm’s regular test rider Florian Marino, comes as paddock speculation suggests he is being considered to replace likely WorldSBK-bound Nicolo Bulega in the Aruba.it Ducati team next year.

However, with Kawasaki - which joins Yamaha in having a presence in all three categories - eager to place develop its junior development platform, Huertas could find himself front and centre of its future plans

“We have a plan to test two days to take the opportunity from the track reservation, but we cannot test with Jonny or Alex due to the rules,” said KRT’s Team Manager Guim Roda. “We only have one day available with them, and we decided to use this day on Wednesday. 

“Because we were already here and working like this during the year, we’re going to use Florian as a test rider. He’ll test some ideas and check some items to see how they work, and then implement them with Jonny and Alex.

“At the same time, we’re using the opportunity with one day extra and one crew chief available. At Most, we spoke with Kawasaki Europe about giving Adrian a chance to test the bike as a reward for the good job he’s done and how he’s evolving.”

Huertas is currently ranked 11th in the WorldSSP standings after being forced to miss the opening two events through injury.