Rea explains ‘not normal’ World Superbike domination

Jonathan Rea says he wants to relish in the moment of dominating the World Superbike championship after capping a phenomenal 2017 with a double victory in Qatar to rewrite the record book.

The triple World Superbike champion equalled the most double wins in a single season with Carl Fogarty and Troy Bayliss while setting a new points record in a campaign with 556 to surpass Colin Edwards’ 552 points haul scored in 2002.

Such has been Rea’s control in 2017 the Northern Irish rider was never off the podium in a race he reached the finish, while he just two DNFs all season, on his way to 16 race wins out of 26 races – including seven wins from the final eight races.

Rea is eager to enjoy the moment having faced previous struggles before joining Kawasaki in 2015 and isn’t taking any of it for granted heading into next year ahead of the regulation changes.

“The points tally is nice but the championship is the main thing,” Rea said. “To win 16 races in a season, more than 50% of the races, is not normal. That’s the biggest thing I take away.

“This year, like I keep saying, I have no words. It has been feeling normal to be here on the podium and that is kind of scary. Right now is my time, so I really am enjoying the moment.

“Next year it could easily be somebody else so we really need to enjoy this and celebrate an incredible year. I know how difficult it is when things are not coming naturally, and it is an uphill struggle, so that is why I am so grateful to Kawasaki for this opportunity. It is a huge team effort. In a few weeks’ time we can start turning our attention to 2018.”