Rea stuns in WorldSBK/MotoGP combined test – again!

Reigning WorldSBK champion Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team) has completed the first pre-season test ahead of the 2018 season in stunning fashion, lapping the Jerez circuit in Spain over a second under the existing lap record.

Just like he did in 2016, that not only saw him leave the test – interrupted by an appointment with Prince William – as not only the fastest WorldSBK rider, but he also bested all the MotoGP riders in attendance as well, including Aussie Jack Miller on his new Pramac Ducati.

Able to work through his full testing regime with the Kawasaki Racing Team, Rea was so delighted with his pace in Andalusia that he finished the day early after setting the time of 1.37.986.

“This test is really important for us and it is always held at a good time of year. The weather has been consistent so we have been really lucky,” said Rea.

“There is a lot of rubber down on the track so we were able to evaluate all the components we had to test and we ticked everything in the box.

“We had to confirm chassis components and a swingarm, and we worked a lot with Showa suspension on Wednesday. When we had everything boxed off we were able to test some new tyres from Pirelli. We also used this test to try out a qualifying tyre and to see our true potential over one lap.

“I was surprised to be so fast and go into the 1:37s. Good results do not just happen; it has been a lot of hard work. I am very proud of the team as they understood the regulation changes. We were able to hit the ground running when we came here on Monday."

Rea’s teammate Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Racing Team) finished the test in second position with a lap time of 1.38.326, ahead of Alex Lowes (Pata Yamaha, 1:38.622), Leon Camier (Red Bull Honda, 1:39.333) and Xavi Fores (Barni Racing Team Ducati, 1:39.384).

The next major test for the WorldSBK contingent will be January 23-24 at Jerez. Then the teams pack up their wares and ship them to Australia’s Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit for the opening of the 2018 season at the Yamaha Finance round from February 23-25. Tickets available at Ticketek or www.worldsbk.com.au

Full WorldSBK combined times:
1. Jonathan REA 1:37:986
2. Tom SYKES 1:38:326
3. Alex LOWES 1:38:622
4. Leon CAMIER 1:39:333
5. Xavi FORES 1:39:384
6. Marco MELANDRI 1:39:577
7. Michael van der MARK 1:39:577
8. Niccolo CANEPA 1:39:855
9. Michael RUBEN RINALDI 1:40.223
10. Loris BAZ 1:40:468
11. Eugene LAVERTY 1:40:551
12. Jordi TORRES 1:40:595
13. Chaz DAVIES 1:40:630
14. Lorenzo SAVADORI 1:40.841
15. Leandro MERCADO 1:41.034
16. Yonny HERNANDEZ 1:41:476