REA FIGHTS BACK TO TOP SIX IN PORTIMÃO RACE 2

Jonathan Rea battled to a sixth place finish in today’s WorldSBK Race 2 at the Portuguese Round of the 2024 FIM Superbike World Championship. 

A less-than-ideal Superpole Race result of tenth was further fuel for Rea’s desire to succeed. In race two he came through the field from P11 on the grid with his characteristic grit and determination and, with a last lap pass on Michael van der Mark, secured a strong sixth place at the chequered flag. 

Rea’s improved confidence in Portimão to be able to exploit the Yamaha R1 WorldSBK’s strengths has proven to be a silver lining to a challenging weekend, as he and the team aim for further refinements to help the six-time WorldSBK Champion edge into the podium fight in the coming rounds. 

The championship will enjoy a summer break after this weekend, returning to action on the weekend of September 6-8 for the French Round at Circuit Nevers Magny Cours. 

Jonathan Rea – SPRC: P10 / Race 2: P6

“It’s been a positive weekend in some ways, as we improved my feeling with the R1 a lot, but Portimao has highlighted where we need to improve. Yesterday in Race 1 I had a good rhythm and pace until we had the technical issue, and today in the Superpole race I got a good start but fighting in the group proved difficult when everyone had grip. That compromised our start position for Race 2, I had to start P11. I made a good start, but I got involved in a few fights, especially with Vierge, I struggled a lot to pass him and it dictated my race a bit as he was not as strong over the lap, but stronger down the straight so it was a bit of a fight before I could get through. When I got through I focused on both van der Mark and Petrucci and even though the gap was there, I managed to close them down as one of our strengths with the R1 is pace on used tyres, so I was able to make use of that and stick a strong pass on Mikey on the last lap. I’ve got mixed emotions as it’s the best I’ve felt with the bike from a chassis point of view and was able to use the bike’s strengths much better. All in all, it’s been a confidence inspiring weekend as from a feeling point of view, and with the electronics, I’ve gained more trust to ride the bike more like I should. Credit to Andrew and the crew as they arrived with a set-up which gave me some more direct feedback from the rear of the bike, so hopefully we can take this on to Magny Cours. Thanks to all the travelling supporters, it’s those people who really give me strength in tough times”