Rea increases lead in wet weather

Kawasaki's Jonathan Rea found redemption in race two at the world superbike round in Germany on September 17-18, winning the wet encounter over first-time podium men in 2016 – Aprilia's Alex De Angelis and Ducati rider Xavi Fores.

The victory for Rea came after he crashed out of the opening race, which saw his world championship lead whittled back to 26pts by his teammate Tom Sykes.

But in race two it was Sykes' turn or misfortune after he crashed in the extremely slick conditions, remounted and eventually finished in 12th position.

Rea's lead is now 47pts with six races remaining in the 2016 championship.

“It feels like probably the most important win of my career so far," said Rea. "I felt that after yesterday and Laguna our backs were against the wall. In morning warm-up I began to feel good with the bike again after we had made some positive set-up changes. When we saw the rain coming on the grid we had to completely change to a wet set-up. It was one of those positions that with me leading the championship I had a lot to lose - but a lot to gain as well.

"I took my chance and put my head down from the start. I really felt good with the bike so I have to thank all my crew because last night my bike was not in a great way. They worked really late, and meticulously, to make sure the bike was perfect. To reward them with this result means I am really happy. So this is for my mechanics that have worked so hard and also for Pere and Paolo, who gave me such a good wet bike set-up.”

FULL RESULTS FROM GERMANY

Sykes got the holeshot in race two from race one winner Chaz Davies (Ducati) and Rea. Sykes ran wide allowing Rea to take advantage and shoot ahead. Nicky Hayden (Honda) got off to a bad start with a wheelie off the line before he got caught up in the first corner and dropped back to 17th.

Sykes was the first victim of the weather and crashed out before the end of the first lap, leaving Rea to extend his lead. Lorenzo Savadori (Aprilia) and Ducati’s Davide Giugliano, closely followed by Leon Camier (Leon Camier) and De Angelis all had good pace in the wet and were all hunting down Davies. Giugliano charged ahead into second before a highside saw his chances of a podium finish evaporate on lap five, one lap after Savadori crashed out after setting the fastest lap time.

Even though Sykes was out of podium contention, the reigning world champion continued to charge ahead to secure the important 25 points to add to his title defence campaign.  Camier put in another incredible ride into the top four, trying to catch Fores for third before crossing the line just off the podium and equalling his best result of the year once again. Sylvain Guintoli (Yamaha) showed he’s back in form after battling with Davies to finish ahead of him in fifth.

Aussie Josh Brookes (BMW) showed his wet weather quality by finishing the treacherous race in seventh. After sliding out of the race in the closing laps, Michael van der Mark (Honda) rejoined in an impressive push to the line on his battered Fireblade in eighth, ahead of Roman Ramos (Ducati) and Hayden (Honda).

Other casualties in the wet were Anthony West (Kawasaki), who slid out of fourth position, Alex Lowes (Yamaha), and BMW teammates Jordi Torres and Markus Reiterberger.

In world supersport, reigning champion Kenan Sofuoglu (Kawasaki) won in typical style, 1.7 seconds ahead of impressive Finnish rookie Niki Tuuli (Yamaha), Jules Cluzel (MV Agusta) and Patrick Jacobsen (Honda).

The championships now head to Magny-Cours in France from September 30 until October 2.