Jonathan Rhea (Ballymena, February 2, 1987) is currently third in the WorldSBK standings in a season where he is struggling with his bike. Motosan.es interviewed him.
By Ana Puerto / Motosan.es
However, he knows how to get the most out of a Kawasaki that hasn't always been 100% this year, as he has been working with the factory team for a long time. What's more, he's already managed to win this season, a task that used to be more common but which, with a titan like Alvaro Bautista on the grid, is complicated today. For his part, the Briton managed to win in Race 1 at Most.
You are fourth in the championship, what assessment do you draw from your season?
Jonathan Rhea : “She was disappointing. To be honest, I expected to be stronger, especially in the first part of the season. But now we are starting to find our way and get on the podium. Alvaro and especially Ducati have taken several steps forward with the new bike, and we have to catch up with them, we have to improve. Toprak has also improved. We still have work to do, but the last few races have been more positive. »
Before Jonathan Rea won at Most, we asked him the following question: do you think you can do it this year? Where do you think you can get that first win?
" It's a good question. Of course, it is difficult to win. On some circuits, like Imola, I need better tracks to get there. At Donington I got on the podium in the Superpole race, but that's not enough. Portimao may be a good circuit, but before thinking about victory we need to get on the podium every weekend, be consistent and closer to Álvaro in the long races. Then we can start thinking about victory, but for now, it's still a long way off. »
There has been a lot of talk about weight in WorldSBK, particularly Scott Redding who is constantly clashing with Alvaro Bautista. What is your opinion on this?
“As far as I am concerned, I am for it, because we are a production championship, and in all forms of racing, from 300 to Superport, Moto3, Moto2, it is part of the regulations. In a championship like WorldSBK with production bikes, I think it's normal to follow this model. But of course all the manufacturers support this idea, except Ducati, because they have the lightest rider and they have this advantage. I'm not sure that in the future they might make the decision to go in this direction, but for now, nothing changes. »
There has also been controversy over the Ducati regime, what do you think about this: do you think it should be even more regulated or is the Ducati duo with Bautista simply unbeatable?
“Honestly, it’s very technical. I don't understand everything technical. For me, we won in rounds with concessions, but my team made a list of why we can do it. If you look at Kawasaki's position, it's pretty clear. For Ducati, I'm not sure. I remember 18 to 19, or 17 to 18, with the 18 rpm regulation changes, and I was still winning races. Our RPM is at the maximum the engine can make, but on most motorcycles the power is at a lower RPM than the maximum. I don't have an opinion on this, I mean it's better if everyone is freer on what they want and we will have better and faster bikes. If I had the choice, everyone would be freer. »
Toprak Razgatlioglu decided to move from Yamaha to BMW, how would you define this decision? As a championship rival, do you think this is a good thing for you?
" I think so. Toprak is a very talented driver and it seems BMW is really looking to win races. I spoke with them ten years ago and they had a very good project, so I can understand Toprak going there. He may be the last piece of the puzzle that BMW needs to get on the podium every weekend and achieve victories. »
As for the Kawasaki, how is it performing this year?
“We have some difficulties. The bike is the same as a few years ago, but we are trying to get the most out of it. The level is very high, I don't feel like every weekend it's about sitting on the bike and winning. The bike is at its peak today, we can fight for the podium. It's a little frustrating, but I know the whole team is giving 100% and working in the right direction. For now we need something new, something more exciting, something that allows us to be more competitive. »
What about your performance as a driver: what do you have to say about it, do you feel good about it, ask more of yourself?
“A bit of both, sometimes. I always give 100%: in some races it's beyond the limit and I fall, in others it's a 2 out of 10, sometimes I'm tired... But sometimes it's enough to make some progress. good job and I feel good: at least, on the podium, I feel that I have potential, and a lot of motivation. It is true that some races this year were disappointing for me too, I felt that I could have been stronger in some races. I'm just trying to look forward and do my best, take some time (during the summer break) and then we'll have four quick races at the end of the year. I will try to fight to be in the TOP 3 of the championship. »
What do you hope for by the end of the season?
“I think the main goal for me is to fight for TOP 3 in the championship, try to get on the podium as much as possible and have fun driving the last races. I always want to ride with a smile, in complete freedom, and enjoy the weekend. »
Read the original article on Motosan.es
Anna Port
