Rea: Historic World Superbike title ‘at the back of my mind’

Jonathan Rea says he’s fully aware of a potentially historic weekend at Magny-Cours but is not focusing on sealing a fourth successive World Superbike title at the French round.

The reigning champion holds a dominant 116-point advantage in the riders’ standings with three rounds remaining and can mathematically seal a fourth straight world title at the same venue as his 2017 triumph.

Rea can repeat last year’s title coronation down to the same race – sealing last season’s championship with victory in race one at Magny-Cours – if he out scores nearest rival Chaz Davies by nine points and also doesn’t concede 12 points to third-place rider Michael van der Mark in the opening race in France.

Regardless of title possibilities, Rea says his primary target is to maintain his winning run – having taken six consecutive race wins coming into this weekend – which he knows would sort out the championship maths.

“I am really excited to go to Magny Cours, especially after the last races where our bike and package has been really strong,” Rea said.

“I have incredible memories from last year and this weekend marks the first opportunity we have to try to clinch a world championship. But, I am trying to put that to the back of my mind and attack the weekend like every other weekend – work methodically with my family, all the team and our bike to find the best race set-up we can.

“The weather forecast looks like it is going to be stable throughout the weekend. The target is simple, like at Portimao and the last few rounds, to go out and try to win two races.”

While Rea has surpassed Carl Fogarty’s all-time wins record already this year, he can match his fellow countryman on four World Superbike titles this year plus become the first rider to win four consecutive championships.