For Jonathan Rea, grimace soup was on the menu this Saturday in Indonesia. The same causes of Phillip Island produced the same effects in Mandalika on a Kawasaki which is starting to seriously worry about not being able to hold its tires for more than half the distance of a race. Concerns that cause confidence and serenity to crumble, a final point noted during the Superpole where the six-time world champion was penalized for hindering two competitors in a fast lap. Almost unheard of from the man of all records in the category…
The season has not even completed two meetings yet Jonathan Rhea is in the greatest difficulty confirming that he remains a candidate for the world crown this season in WSBK. A shame for the Northern Irishman accustomed to victories, podiums and titles. But except at Phillip Island where he took advantage of the wet track conditions, the ZX-10R driver is no longer afraid as soon as the asphalt is dry.
At the of race 1 in Indonesia this Saturday, he had to settle for ninth place, 15 seconds behind the inaccessible winner and defending champion Baptist on Ducati. “ It was a difficult day » slips a Jonathan Rhea like stunned. Before talking about his procession, he returns to his blunder during the Superpole which forced him to move back three places on the starting grid: “ in Superpole, I found Bassani in front, losing time, then I slowed down, bothering Ottl. I was then penalized for driving slowly, losing three places on the grid. I apologize to the entire team for what was done and I do not want to seek justifications for this behavior ».
Jonathan Rea: “ I need more weapons against Ducati«
Then there was the eventful start of race 1: “ Rinaldi's maneuver at the start made me lose several positions. However, I managed to get behind Locatelli and the pace wasn't bad ». So far nothing prohibitive until the Ninja disease observed in Australia is revealed again: “ the problem is that in the following rounds I started to lose confidence At the front, the bike no longer had stability and I couldn't be as efficient as I wanted when changing direction and exiting corners. I lacked grip and suffered, also during acceleration. This was my run to Mandalika ».
Trying to analyze the situation, he said on GP One : " when my bike works, I manage to be strong and make a difference. Rather the problem occurs when the front tire wears out and I can't ride as I want ". And he ends: “ I'm sorry, because this is one of my worst results since I've been at Kawasaki ».
In such a situation, what can we hope not only for the rest of the Indonesian meeting, but for the rest of the season? “ During this winter we worked a lot with the team and improved the bike, but the truth is that we need to do more. I need more weapons against Ducati and that is certainly not my true position. We will therefore try to take a step forward for Sunday ". More tomorrow...
WSBK Superbike Indonesia J1: ranking
