WSB: Rea ends European testing on a high

Reigning World Superbike Champion Jonathan Rea heads to Australia brimming with confidence after a positive European testing programme.

Since November, Rea and his Kawasaki team have tested three times at the Jerez circuit and head in to the 2017 season with a starting point in regards to chassis and suspension set-up for when the first round gets underway at Phillip Island later this month. 

Rea stole the headlines at all three tests, first lapping quicker than MotoGP riders before topping the first group WSB test just last week. He’d then lap 1.6 seconds quicker than team-mate Sykes as the Kawasaki squad returned to Jerez this week.   

TOP STORIES

• Suzuki GSX-R1000R price announced
• See the Ducati Superleggera at the Carole Nash MCN London Motorcycle Show
• Devilish design wins the XDiavel prestigious award
• Video: 23 years of the Ducati 916
• Insurance comparisons: Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade

“The final test was really positive,” he said after this week’s visit to Jerez. “On the first day we waited for the track to dry and then we got some valuable track time. We maximised that by testing different suspension set ups, with the 2016 fork as the base, to try out some ideas. We confirmed the best chassis and suspension set up that we will start the year with and we worked with some engine components and clutches, to understand what my preference is.

“We practiced starts and found something that was good for me. Pirelli also brought some development tyres to try, which we gave some time to. We crossed a few things off our list and back-to-backed a few things. We were also trying to look for some performance, a bit of lap time and we did that on Wednesday. We are getting ready now for Phillip Island.”

Looking for the perfect two-wheeled companion? Visit MCN Bikes For Sale website or use MCN’sBikes For Sale App.