WSBK » Rea: There is still so much potential

A championship contender for sure - especially since they'll have a good base setting and Ohlins kit from the start next year.

What's needed now though is more consistency from track to track and a steadier, more mature mindset during races. He's been his own worst enemy at several events in 2009, with wildly optimistic passing moves that only lost him time (Portimao being a perfect example). Smooth out those rough edges and you'd have the complete championship package.

Can't see how a Brit could not end up at the top next year, with so many fast runners and the opposition over-the-hills or crashers. But which? I look for the Aprilia to be the steed and Camier the rider as a dark horse. It wil be fun.

Jonathan is definately a strong contender for next year but I still worry about Ten Kate's ability to get the job done over the weekend. Stiggy definately deserved to get running the WSB effort for Honda next year (with Jonathan as the rider naturally) and leave Ten Kate to cope with the engines for the new Moto 2 class. When you see what Stiggy done with their superbike and Parkalgar done with the 600 you have to wonder how a company like Honda can't see that something isn't right. Yamaha are kicking them around the tracks worldwide in every class.

On a slightly different note, it's a pity HRC couldn't get Jonathan a wildcard ride at Valencia, would have been interesting.

Stiggy did a great job, but Ten Kate have tons of experience producing fast Hondas and it isn't just luck that has Rea finishing ahead of Haslam this year.

I think British fans have a lot to look forward to next year. Rea, Crutchlow, JT, Camier, Byrne, Haslam. Any one of those guys could lift the title given the right machinery.

Wow, the most reasoned and intelligent posts on a topic I've seen in some time on Crash. I'm not sure if this is allowed, I might have to report you all to the moderators.
As someone who follows racing from across the pond in Canada it's good to see comments like this because coverage in Canada is mostly ESPN which means NASCAR. I like the insights from those closer to the action. Thanks.

Wow! Nascar in canada. I'm wondering if canadiens are forced into watching nascar or they really like it.

Even Shumacher said something negative about nascar when Montoya exiled there. Nascar has to be one of the worst motorsports out there!

"Can't see how a Brit could not end up at the top next year"

I can see how - the 800 pound Gorilla of WSBK in Ducati with the #2 and #3 riders in the championship this year in Haga and Fabrizio. The number of Brits and their talent make it a high probability of a Brit on top but it would be foolest to discount the guys who where at the sharpest of sharp end this year.

Ten Kate almost have the bike perfect now for JR. One thing I did notice on Sunday and several other times during the year was that the bike seemed to be down on top speed vs the other machinery. Johnny was having to wring the neck of the damn thing to keep up with the others in a straight line. If they can find a few extra ponies he will be there or there abouts next year.
Our wee country is all behind you Johnny. An amazing year and I hope all his knockers (of which there have been quite a few forming up to have a go at him in recent weeks) get their mouths well and truly shut next year.

By my estimation it will take an average finish of 3rd-4th place at every race next year to do the deed. That would be an approximate average improvement of 2 positions per race from this past season for Johnny. Very achievable if he just rides within himself and the confines of the racing surface.

I think Vrob and Raw have hit the nail on the head. Jonanthan will have to curb his enthusiasm a bit and he has a real chance at the title, although Ducati is the team to beat. They've won more WSB titles than all other teams combined and Fabrizio in particular looks hungry to win the title.
Once again, we Americans are left without a countryman to cheer for. Our Superbike series is in the worst state I can remember so I'll be cheering for Rea next year.