The world of Grands Prix is an attractive smokescreen. Those who are there do everything to stay there, those who are forced to leave keep their heads high but have low morale, while those who succeed brilliantly elsewhere cannot help but talk about it and think it. This is exactly the case of a Jonathan Rhea who is the king in his Superbike kingdom. Covered with glory, titles, official rider and making a good living there, he still talks about this devil of MotoGP and will send his agent to assess the situation...
A blatant “I love you neither” which appears in an interview relayed by speedweek. The basis of his reflection is thus laid down: “ 2018 will be the most interesting year for my agent as for all top drivers ". And he admits his dilemma: “ At the moment I don't see myself riding for any factory other than Kawasaki. I have the best memories of my career there. I don't think I'll change. But maybe I'll need another challenge at the end of this season ».
Still torn, he continues: “ I love the Superbike life. I make money by running and winning races. We have thirteen meetings a year, and the pressure is less than in MotoGP where there are eighteen Grands Prix and soon even twenty-one. I've been in Superbike for a while and have always been treated well by the media. It's like a family ". So case closed? Nay: “ on the other hand, I'm at the peak of my career, I've never driven so well. So maybe it's time for a change. We'll see ».
The Northern Irishman is 31 years old, of course, but he has a track record that deserves to be taken into consideration: 54 victories, three titles in a row, 556 points scored in one season, which is a record. In 26 races in one season, he climbed to 24 podiums. Alone Colin Edwards did better in 2002. Maybe an opportunity will present itself. I was at Silverstone during the British Grand Prix. Influential managers of very respectable teams told me to come to MotoGP ».
Sure, but Sale will not come to play at the back of the grid. He has already competed in two Grands Prix, replacing Stoner on the Honda in 2012, in Misano and Aragon. He did very well. And in 2018, he is undoubtedly a better driver. So who will take the risk Sale ?
