At 35, Jonathan Rea is more motivated than ever. “
In 2023 I will move forward and continuing with Kawasaki would be normal. We talk about it. »
About Paolo Gozzi de Motoracing
Jonathan Rhea sits at the reception table Kawasaki and we have the impression of dealing with a normal guy, who doesn't even look like he's 35 years old. Yet today it is a monument of sport, the Superbike icon of this era. He speaks in a weak voice, but distills the words with the same precision as his particular trajectories on the circuit. Misano is the house of Ducati, but here the “Cannibal” has already dined fifteen times. The first time was in 2009, when you wouldn't have given two cents to bet on the Honda. He won on this bike that no one wanted, beating Ducati on the last lap. 117 victories and six World Cups later, Jonathan Rhea is always there to play. Hungrier than ever.
Is this the start of the season you were waiting for?
« I had nothing in particular to expect. We are where we wanted to be. There are two differences compared to last year: now I ride much more relaxed, I feel good with the Kawasaki. But there are two adversaries between the two, instead of one. Toprak Razgtalioglu was enough for me, but now Alvaro Bautista is back in the middle too. »
The Kawasaki Ninja seems to have taken a big step forward...
« The package is very good, but we have not made a revolution. We talk about details, we don't have big new things like a new fork, a swingarm, new electronics could be.
The truth is that we have made very small changes. »
Does the Kawasaki have something up its sleeve?
« In racing, you try to keep going every time. We anticipate that during the next stages of the World Cup we will encounter very hot conditions, for which we are preparing. Something happens, and we will also be ready to adapt our configuration.
»
Jonathan Rea: “Misano excites me for the environment, the restaurants, for Valentino Rossi”
Misano has been special since 2009: what is Jonathan Rea's new dream?
« Every driver's greatest dream is to win. Misano is special to me, it's where I won my first World Superbike race. And to say that the track is beautiful, I like it, but the characteristics do not suit me spectacularly. Imola is a track that suits me. Misano excites me for the environment, the restaurants, for Valentino Rossi. It's a special place to win. »
Is Alvaro Bautista with Ducati stronger today than in 2019?
« Uhmmm… I think it's the same driver. »
Has Jonathan Rea rather changed?
«
Yes, he's stronger now than he was three years ago. The difficulties I encountered in 2021 made me grow. I have a faster bike, I have an even better team than before. Everything is much better.
»
It's the day before the Senior TT: Michael Dunlop or Peter Hickman?
« If I let my heart speak, I tell you that I hope for a Dunlop victory. If I had to bet my own money, I would bet on Hickman. »
Could the commitment to the Suzuka 8h complicate the World Championship plans?
« No. Kawasaki was perfectly organized. In two weeks, I will take the only scheduled exam. He will also have my entire Superbike team behind me, and I will be racing with riders I know very well like Alex Lowes and Leon Haslam. I am convinced that we can afford this additional challenge. In 2019 with Léon it was a marvel, we were fast. I'm very excited for Suzuka. »
You're 35: what's in Jonathan Rea's future?
« Now is not the time to talk about the future, I don't yet have a contract for next season. I'm definitely not going to stop, I'm still very motivated. I love running like never before. In 2023 I will continue, I don't know until when. »
You have been at Kawasaki since 2015: Fresh air?
« Staying with Kawasaki would be normal. We are talking about it. »
