Rea begins Japan test late due to delayed flight

WSB star Jonathan Rea completed his first day of testing at Suzuka yesterday in preparation for his participation in this year Suzuka 8-hour race on 25th July.

Rea was due to compete in the Suzuka 300 race, which takes place in June as a build up to the 8-hour but was forced to withdraw after sustaining neck and chest burns when he crashed at the Miller Motorsports Park race in America.

Rea arrived in Japan after claiming his impressive first and second place finishes in Brno at the weekend, but due to a delayed flights only arrived yesterday morning. Despite the delay Rea was taken directly to the track and was on track testing by 2pm.

Riding the F.C.C TSR Honda complete with Showa suspension and Bridgestone tyres, compared to his Hannspree Ten Kate Honda WSB bike with Ohlins suspension and Pirelli tyres, Rea was immediately on the pace in the fully wet conditions.

Speaking to MCN at the end of the day Rea said:
“I was having problems with the rear of the bike on acceleration on the chassis side of things but other than that I really enjoyed it. The track was full of riders and there were lots of slow guys out there but I had 2 hours to build up my speed. My team-mate Kosuke Akiyoshi is having similar problems so at least we can improve our machine setting together.”

Rea will get another three hours of track time today.