by Russell Atkins
World Supersport rookie Jonny Rea argues consistency will be the key as he bids to lift the title during his maiden campaign in the series this year, and he makes it clear that he is out for nothing less than glory as he aims to follow in reigning World Superbike Champion
James Toseland's wheeltracks.
The Northern Irishman has signed to compete for Hannspree Ten Kate Honda in WSS in 2008 the same team that propelled Toseland to WSBK championship glory last year with a contract that will see him graduate to World Superbike competition himself in 2009. It is both an opportunity and a challenge he is relishing, even if he acknowledges that WSS is populated by axe-murderers'
I'm really looking forward to it, he enthused, speaking exclusively to
Crash.net Radio. It's a new challenge for me, being in a new team and a new championship with a new bike and new tyres as well. I'm proper motivated for this season, and I feel fit and well too. I'm stoked!
I've signed a three-year deal with the team for one year in Supersport followed by two years in Superbikes. That means effectively that in 2009 I'll be in the place that James vacated and I can't wait for that, but this year I'm not even thinking about Superbikes all my efforts are really going into the Supersport championship, and like I say I'm really motivated and positive about that. I'm really happy and I can't wait to get to Qatar!
The opening round, indeed, takes place in the Middle East this weekend, and Rea is confident he will be on the pace, having settling into the team well over recent weeks. He is well aware, however, that the strength of the competition out there will be fierce.
To be honest, there was no settling-in period, the 20-year-old underlined. The guys are really good guys, and it's like a proper family-run team. I've missed having that closeness.
