Rea confident of Valencia podium tilt

Jonathan Rea has set his sights on a maiden World Superbike podium when the series returns to Europe for the third round of the season in Valencia, Spain.

Rea has endured a frustrating start to the year on the Ten Kate Honda, with tyre problems defining the opening round in Australia, while a mistake in qualifying set him back on the fifth row of the grid for both Qatar races.

Nonetheless, Rea is looking forward to competing at Valencia, a circuit that he believes will suit his bike - and the tyres - better.

"I think we've all had a chance to gather our thoughts for Valencia though, and to concentrate on improving our results after a less than perfect start to the season," he said.

"I'm pretty sure we'll be able to rely on some better tyre consistency now we're back in Europe, and that will suit the CBR much better. So, we'll continue to work hard and I'll be aiming for the podium this weekend.

"I had a good few days rest after Qatar before getting right back into my training programme. I also went to see my younger brother, Richard, in his first Irish Superbike race at Mondello Park in Dublin - I need to watch him or he'll be after my job!"