POLE POSITION AND PODIUM POTENTIAL FOR REA AND PATA PROMETEON YAMAHA IN ASSEN

Jonathan Rea achieved a stunning premiere pole position for Pata Prometeon Yamaha at the Dutch Round of the 2024 FIM Superbike World Championship, before going on to finish in sixth place in a dramatic damp-to-dry Race 1.  

TT Circuit Assen treated hardy fans to a thrilling Superpole session in the wet, as Northern Irishman Rea robotically hammered out fastest lap after fastest lap in the 15-minute shoot-out. Despite challenges from a number of different competitors, Rea successfully and superbly brought his #65 Yamaha R1 WorldSBK to the top spot in parc ferme for the first time. 

A damp but rapidly drying track surface with threatening rain clouds overhead in the afternoon kept everyone on their toes to take the correct tyre choice before the start of Race 1. Rea made a great start to lead the first two sectors, dropping back into the front group as the race developed. Rea’s choice of slick tyres and a strong fightback meant a chance at the podium was more than realistic, but sixth was the final result when the race was cut short by a red flag on Lap 15. 

The hope is for more consistent weather for the final day of competition in the Netherlands tomorrow, starting with a 10-minute Warm Up at 9:00 CEST (BST+1), the Superpole Race at 11:00 and Race 2 at 14:00. 

Jonathan Rea – SP: P1 / Race 1: P6

“I really enjoyed the Superpole session because I felt at one with the bike even in those tricky conditions, and lap after lap I built a good rhythm. You never know how fast to go because there is always a lot of risk, but the track was damp and drying out – this of course overheats the wet tyres and they move around. I kept thinking maybe someone is going to come in for the intermediate, but I had no time left. When I saw P1 on my pit board at the end, I was so happy! Not just for me, but all the guys in the team that need this lift. It was really nice for Yamaha as well and set us up for the race to make a good start. I hole-shot the start, but then in the first part of the race you don’t want to be the guy leading in those conditions because you don’t know how slippery it is. I made a couple of small mistakes and when Loka came through on the last corner, I lost two positions just off the back of the group and had a huge moment between Turns 2 and 3. Aside from that, it was a race where you just had to be patient until the track dried. It got almost completely dry and I could feel a few areas where we can improve the bike for tomorrow. Shame for the red flag to come out, I could smell a podium but I was just too far away at that point. A good solid day that leaves us wanting more!”