‘Lap-by-lap’, rhythm is ‘getting better’ - Jonathan Rea

Jonathan Rea and Kawasaki will have one final pre-season test at MotorLand Aragon on May 4-5, ahead of the WorldSBK season opener in Teruel on May 21-23. 

The six-time World Superbike champion was in attendance alongside team-mate Alex Lowes earlier this week for a two-day test around the 5.344 km (3.321 mile) circuit. 

However, most of the test was impacted by poor weather conditions, so like the Pata Yamaha team have done, the defending champions have organised another two-day outing before the opening round. 

Speaking after the shortened test, Rea alluded to his feeling ‘getting better lap-by-lap’, and predominantly working on ‘race set-up’ as he aims to claim a seventh consecutive title in 2021. 

"The test has been really positive. Even if the track was a little bit ‘green,' because we had a lot of water on the surface and we had to wait until lunchtime to ride, we were able to confirm a lot of items we tested at Montmelo," said Rea. 

"The track is different but it also has some similarities, so that means the outcome is positive. These items were mostly chassis related, so it means we could really start to put the package together. 

"I could feel my rhythm was getting better lap-by-lap. We rode a lot on our race set-up, understanding all our potential and starting to really get ready for race weekend in a few weeks. 

"We saw that day two would be wet so we decided to do one time attack at the end of the first day and we were able to be quite fast. We will now move on to more testing before the race. 

"I feel really good with the bike and the team; everybody has been working really hard and I am now excited to get back home and then finish off my preparations."

This was the first time back on track for Rea following the lone Official WorldSBK test in Barcelona three weeks ago, where he was quickest on both days.