Ready to rock
AS JONATHAN Rea heads for Qatar’s Losail International Circuit for the final round of World Superbike Championship (WSBK) on Saturday and Sunday, just two points stand between him and history.
The defending champion needs just a 14th-place finish in one of the two races for his second world crown as he hopes to become the first British rider since Carl Fogarty in 1999 to win back-to-back world titles.
Last year, Rea had already clinched his maiden title by the time he arrived in Qatar. He also came within sniffing distance of setting the points record in a single WSBK season before falling short agonisingly. Barring a miracle, he looks well poised to add another title to his kitty.
Currently, the Kawasaki rider has 462 points and is 48 clear of his nearest rival and compatriot Tom Sykes.
Chaz Davies, also a Briton, had won the last two races in Jerez, Spain. He is a distant third with 395 points.
Rea had a great chance of grabbing the title in Spain itself, but had to be content with third and second-place finishes in Race 1 and Race 2 respectively. His family had travelled with him to Jerez in anticipation of his second world crown, but the celebrations were put on hold.
But with 50 points up for grabs in two races in Losail, Rea is hopeful of sealing the title in the first race itself.
“Jerez is a low grip track and I struggled with front and rear traction. But I’m happy to hold on to the championship lead. I’ve nine wins this season. My overall performance of the season was good. I feel I’m riding well and with Team Kawasaki, I’ve made a good step forward,” said Rea, who did a round of in-season testing at Jerez before heading for Losail.
At Jerez, Rea also got valuable tips from France’s former champion Fabien Foret, who is currently competing in the Endurance World Championship with Team Kawasaki.
“I spoke for a long time with Fabien (Foret), who is helping me improve my riding, seeing how I’m attacking the corners in a different way. I’m going to Qatar in a pretty relaxed mood,” he added. DSP
