Rea works on race pace, praises leathers and helmet suppliers

Reigning triple WSBK champion Jonny Rea has secured top-slot after two days of testing ahead of the World Superbike event, although he praised the work of his physiotherapist and leathers and helmet suppliers, after a huge crash at turn 11 on day one of testing. 

Rea managed 91 laps across the two days, with the majority of them coming on the second day. The Ulsterman will now have two days off his bike before resuming on Friday for the first session of the 2018 season.

“Even though the track was not in perfect condition this afternoon we managed to put together a full race simulation and we are better equipped with that information to improve the base of the bike for the race”, began the BBC Sports Personality of the Year runner-up.

“Unfortunately yesterday I had a big crash at T11 and gave my mechanics a lot of work. They have been working super late and hard during this test and I’m so grateful for their efforts.

“Also a special mention should go to Arai, Alpinestars and the physio Albert, because I woke up this morning feeling relatively ok! Now we can enjoy the build up to the weekend and keep our eye on the conditions.”

Rea has won a total of five times at Phillip Island and has only ever finished outside the top 10 once. He has done ‘the double’ at the track for the last two seasons.