WSBK » Rea shrugs off team leader status

I think it is time for Charlie Checa to collect his pension he has had a good run but is now past it . As for Rio he has struggled in WSBK never seemed to do the business .If HRC can get rid of a Japanese rider in MotoGP how long are they going to keep faith in him in WSBK ?

Checa is still top ten in the Championship, that puts nearly 20 guys behind him every weekend so he still no slouch, besides, I imagine the sponsorship he brings with him is highly lucrative fo the team, Rio has been a bit of a disapointment this year, British Superbikes beckoning?

Checa and Kiyo are devided by just 1 point on the scoreboard, I'd say the one behind at the end of the year would leave.

Checa said he's interested in AMA, maybe that'll be the outcome.

Rea's obviously the new golden boy of TK and it was mentioned a few races back that he was leading development. I think if any of the three riders go then it should be Checa, apart from his one off double win he's not been good enough in this class for someone of his stature. Kiyo's got years to go and is HRC's golden boy, he's fast on the right bike even if he cant develop. More of a Haga than a Kagayama.

would be great to see jr and norge team mates nxt year at ten kate !! tink eugene deserves it!!

As far as I'm aware Jonathan is a contracted Honda rider (he certainly was in BSB), and therefore he will go wherever Honda decide to fit him in assuming they have enough clout within the team.

That having been said the ties between Honda and Ten Kate are obviously quite strong for now ( a few more WSB and WSS wins soon might be needed to keep it like that) so it's likely that Jonathan could be a key figure for Ten Kate for quite a while.

Rea has completely blown away Kiyo and Checa this year. They both have too much experience to be shaded in this degree. They both need to step up.

Rea has had a fabulous season. He would be in a better position if TK would have sorted their suspension problems earlier.

the boy just wants to win ? i think he has the raw talent to do that? ten kate started season on the backfoot for some reason ?(maybe one to many riders) resources spread to thinly ?? also some of their qualifying sessions look a bit sloppy ?? or rushed ,er(no proper plan) last time rea was waiting in garage while guys were working on bike ??few minutes to go ?? i know you can be caught out ,but surely you could have a plan ??that would get you on first two rows, rea was around top three in times yet started 12th??? he had little time left for a good lap

So he thinks he can beat anyone on equal machinery Put him on a yamaha and get taught a lesson on humility. Still though, he's pretty damn good.

"So he thinks he can beat anyone on equal machinery"

Of-course he does, and so he should.

And y'know what, he might just be right!