He has just returned from a trip to Suzuka which he has found to be a useful learning experience and now he wants to concentrate on taking the Bennetts British Superbike title as he told
Crash.net Radio...
Crash.net:
How did you find Suzuka?
Jonathan Rea:
It was really good it was a good opportunity to go out and be a reserve rider for Honda. Unfortunately I didn't get to ride in the eight hour event which was a bit of a bummer for me, it was character building. I think HRC made a good choice in the team anyway, I had the worst CV out of anyone so I fully understand the decision behind it and maybe my time will come again.
Crash.net:
What did you do while you were out there?
JR:
I had to stay on stand by for the other riders in case they had a mishap which didn't happen which is good for them. I learned a lot from being out there and just hanging out with
James Toseland, Tady Okada, and Carlos Checa. I made friends with all those guys and they are phenomenal guys and they have passed on not only riding experience but how to deal with things off the track and in the paddock. It was pretty educational from every point of view really, not getting the ride was character building but I'm sure I'll bounce back. We just need to finish with a strong end to the season in BSB.
Crash.net:
Was Japan a culture shock and did you get to see things from Kiyo's point of view?
JR:
My respect for Kiyo has gone through the roof for what he goes through over here (in the UK) I can fully understand why he hides away from the media because being out in Japan I had a friend with me but if I had been there myself it would have been pretty damn scary. So hats off to Kiyo he does a good job. HRC fully took care of me and I think English people could learn a lot, everyone is so polite and they have time for everyone no matter what your job in the team you are equally important as the to guys. They are one hundred percent as a nationality.
Crash.net:
What has brought you to
Brands Hatch World Superbikes?
JR:
Just to see what is going on and I'm a good friend of James' now so I just came to check out what he is doing. Also there have been a few options for me which are being talked about this weekend. I just need to keep focused on what we are doing in the BSB series and let that worry about itself. I'm sure that within the next two or three weeks everyone will know what our plans are.
Crash.net:
Are you looking forward to getting to Croft?
JR:
Croft is one of my favourite circuits; we had a second there last year on the
Red Bull Honda so can't wait to get there now. It is the home of HM Plant as well so it would be really good to put two good scores on the board for them and try to bridge that gap to Kiyo. I made a silly mistake at
Oulton Park trying to chase Kiyo down and I made an even sillier mistake at
Mallory Park. Myself and Kiyo are losing the Championship for each other we are both having DNFs, Kiyo isn't getting away and I'm not gaining. The only problem is that third and fourth place are now gaining.
