Pitt, who finished 10th in his debut championship season in 2000, will have his first ride on the new Kawasaki four-stroke machine toward the end of January in a test at Kyalami in South Africa.

The 24-year-old university graduate will also test the Kawasaki in mid-February at Spain's Valencia circuit, venue of the championship opener on March 11.

"The bike will be brand new and will feature a modified engine and suspension compared to what we rode last year (2000)," said Pitt.

Pitt said he had been encouraged by the results of Kawasaki's off-season testing in the opening phase of his preparations for his second year in the championship.

He tested his 2000-specification Kawasaki for a total of six days in November and December at the Valencia, Jerez, and Categena tracks in Spain.

"At Valencia and Jerez we experimented with the forks and shocks on the 'old' bike, and despite some bad weather, we were able to collect valuable data that will help with the suspension on the 'new' Kawasaki we're going to race this year," said Pitt.

"The test at Cartegena was mainly to try some new Dunlop tyres, and quite a few other teams were there."

Pitt was joined at the three tests in Spain by Scottish rider Iain MacPherson, who will be his team-mate for the second successive year in the German-based Kawasaki supersport squad managed by former 250cc grand prix rider Harald Eckl.

In 2001 Pitt will have a new crew chief, Victorian Scott Breedin. The pair previously worked together in 1999 when Pitt won the Australian Supersport Championship for Team Kawasaki Australia.

"Scott is starting with the team this month, and I'm sure having him around is going to help me because we've worked well together before," said Pitt.

Pitt said that his aim in the 13-round 2001 championship was to be more consistent and competitive than in his debut season, when his best result was fourth at Donington Park in Great Britain.

"My first season was tough because most of the tracks in Europe were new to me, and the racing was more competitive than what I'd been used to," said Pitt.

"This year I'm going back knowing what to expect and my race-craft will be better – if you don't get away with the guys at the front it's a real struggle because the bikes are so even."

During the break in testing, Pitt has been following a fitness program combining motocross riding, running, swimming, and weight training.

Go here for a profile on Andrew and the ZX-6R - plenty of great images