Rea pins hopes on Honda engine upgrade
Jonathan Rea says he cannot wait to get back to World Superbike Championship action at Jerez as he looks to build on his current third place in the overall standings with three rounds to go.
A four-time race winner in 2014, Rea is on course for arguably his best WSBK season yet having finished each race no lower than seventh this season, but heads to Jerez having never raced at the Spanish circuit previously.
Despite this, Rea has completed many miles of testing in Jerez aboard the PATA Honda and is confident the bike has the ability to perform well this weekend, particularly with the introduction of a new engine specification to spur him on.
"I missed the Jerez race last year through injury but I was able to test afterwards and I first rode at the circuit on a 125 Honda in 2003. I really enjoy riding it and we've done a lot of testing there. It seems a difficult track to get right but the CBR has developed a lot since we were last there so I'm looking forward to going back.
"The guys at the workshop have been busy since Laguna and we've got a new engine specification to try this weekend. We managed a podium last time out at a track that was new to me so we'll be aiming to maintain that form.
"I'm excited to be riding again because it's been an abnormally long summer break. I imagine there'll be a long queue of riders desperate to get out first for free practice on Friday!"
