Rea “ticks all the boxes” to complete Kawasaki test programme

Jonathan Rea says despite curtailed running on the final day of the Portimao test he was able to complete his full testing programme with Kawasaki ahead of the 2018 season opener in Australia.

The triple World Superbike champion topped both days of the Portimao test with his best lap on the opening day of 1m 41.475s fractionally off his Superpole time at the Portuguese circuit last September.

While adjusting to the new technical regulations, with Kawasaki pegged back to a maximum of 14,100RPM, plus new components for his ZX-10RR and development Pirelli tyres Rea was content with his track time despite opting to miss the middle of the second day due to the high winds and dusty track conditions.

Rea, who also spent time riding with World Superbike rookie Toprak Razgatlioglu at Portimao, feels both he and Kawasaki are up to speed for the 2018 season and is relishing a charge for an unprecedented fourth consecutive world title.

“The final day was actually bit of a difficult day with the conditions, very windy and gusty as well, so I really did not feel comfortable pushing on the limit,” Rea said. “We also made some practice starts and tested a new front and a new rear tyre from Pirelli. We expect those to come in some time in the future, but both times I used them I got interrupted by red flags. So it was a strange day in some ways.

“Generally the test has been good because we were able to have two hours while the wind was a bit reduced and do some productive testing. We have ticked all the boxes and the feeling with the bike has improved. I have woken up, because in Jerez last week I was still fast but I did not feel 100% on the bike. Here I was much better on the first laps.”

Rea will re-join his KRT squad for its team launch in Barcelona on the 8^th February before travelling to Australia for the final pre-season test at Phillip Island on the 19-20^th February with the same circuit hosting the 2018 season opener on the 23-25^th February.