It's been a long time since Jonathan Rea had such a difficult start to the season. At its level, given its track record and considering Kawasaki's reputation in the category reserved for models from the series - which is its only playing field since the brand is not involved in MotoGP - we are not not even very far from the catastrophe. From Phillip Island last weekend, the six-time world champion takes stock of a podium at the end of the first wet race in Australia followed by a 7th and 8the position. On the Mandalika Street Circuit, only places 9 and 4 and a fall in the second heat are recorded on the results sheet. Furthermore, the Northern Irishman leaves Indonesia with a deep scratch on his right thigh. And on the technical side, his Ninja has become more prey to Hondas and other BMWs than a danger for Yamahas and Ducatis…
So, when drawing conclusions on this second of the twelve rounds on the World Superbike season calendar, the rider of 36 years could only begin with these words: “ it was a very difficult weekend, with few positives ". From there, he develops: “ little by little we found a better direction. The Mandalika track changed completely from Friday to Sunday. It had a very low level of grip at first, but we realized on race day that the level was actually incredibly high. We never had a perfect set-up but I felt we improved ».
He adds : " in the races I felt my pace was good but unfortunately in the Superpole Race I had traffic in front of me and it was very difficult to pass. But I felt my pace was pretty good ". A sensation which has not, however, been verified by convincing performances: “ in the second race I lost the front. I don't know exactly why, but it was very windy in this part of the route. I think the wind lifted the front of the bike ».
Jonathan Rea: “ I was riding on the edge of my limits when braking and cornering just trying to stay with the pack«
« I am frustrated and have found it very difficult to pass someone when accelerating or braking » specifies the official of a factory Kawasaki whose only podium taken in Indonesia was thanks to the controversial performance of his second driver Alex Lowes. " At times I was riding on the edge of my limits when braking and cornering just trying to stay with the pack ».
He finishes : " we have to accept this difficult weekend, try to learn from it and then put it behind us when we return to Europe. Now we will have a lot more information. So even though we are disappointed, we have to keep our heads high and keep fighting. I think Assen is a great track to come back with good results ". And it would be better because with only 44 points scored against 112 to the leader of General classification provisoire Álvaro Bautista, the championship is already no longer far from being folded for Jonathan Rhea.
WSBK Superbike Indonesia: Race 2
Credit classification wsbk.com
