De Paul Gozzi / Corsedimoto.com
Has Jonathan Rea already renewed his contract with Kawasaki? Guim Roda, Kawasaki's number one, is cryptic: “We are working on a long-term relationship. » Like Marc Márquez in MotoGP at Honda.
Jonathan Rhea will he leave or will he stay? In the absence of real races, the wait for the renewal of the penta-champion with Kawasaki has the media and fans talking. The conclusion, however, seems obvious. In MotoGP, there are more contenders than bikes (and the best teams are already full...), but it's even worse in Superbike. Because there would be free places here, but there is no money. Only Honda (maybe) could afford to match the 1,5 million Jonathan Rea collects from Kawasaki. But at HRC they decided to bet on Álvaro Bautista, and signing the Cannibal would be like lighting the fuse of the powder keg. Unless there is a big twist, number one will stay where it is. And there is a good chance that the renewal will take place for a long time. In the meantime, Kawasaki has announced the confirmation ofalex lowes. Superbike will resume on August 2 in Jerez.
Guim Roda, responsible for sports management at Kawasaki, is of this opinion on the question Jonathan Rea.
“Marc Márquez has renewed his contract with Honda HRC in MotoGP for four more years: there is logic. Jonathan Rea is 33 years old and since he's been with us with KRT he's won five times in a row and at the very least he wants to bring home three more before he quits. Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Jonathan Rea are certainly working to make a long-term deal possible. »
Let's imagine that Jonathan Rea doesn't stay in his place. Do you already have a plan “B”?
“No plan B. Our goal is Rea. »
Will you announce the 2021 team when the World Championship resumes?
“We hope so, but it’s not a priority. »
Between now and August 2, how many tests will you do?
“We have already planned to be at Misano (with Ducati and other teams, editor's note) on June 24 and 25. The following month, July 8 and 9, we will shoot in Montmeló. »
Will Kawasaki approve a new model in 2021?
“This is a decision that the Japanese must make. We do not know. We're racing the bike on the track, and we'll make sure the one they give us goes as quickly as possible. »
Will the world championship team handle the Suzuka 8 Hours again?
" Yes. Also for this season, Kawasaki has decided to use the KRT WorldSBK project to support the 8 Hours operation. In the Suzuka pits (November 1, editor's note), you'll see a mix of KRT personnel in addition to Kawasaki Heavy Industries technicians. »
Testing at 8 a.m. is limited. How do you organize yourself?
“We are working on organizing two outings, but the operational plan and dates remain to be confirmed. »
Let's not forget that there is more than just World Superbike in sight. Kawasaki will also try to win the Suzuka 8 Hours for the second year in a row, with a team comprising Jonathan Rea, Alex Lowes and Xavi Fores.
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