WSBK: Rea double leaves opposition in trouble

Jonathan Rea achieved a famous double win at Laguna Seca after winning race two from his nearest championship rival by 5.099 seconds. The Uksterman joins a select group of people to have scored a double win at Laguna Seca and is now the rider with the most wins in WSBK at the iconic California venue.

Rea had raced up to fifth on come the end of the opening lap and then into the lead by lap eight at the intense 3.610km long hillside circuit. The reigning triple champion found a set up that allowed him to ride with his desired natural flowing style and he ran out the clear winner. It was his eighth victory of the season, giving him a 50% winning record for the year so far. Jonathan reached the landmark of 125 World Superbike career rostrum.

In winning for a fourth time in his career at Laguna Seca, Rea extended his championship lead to 75 points over runner-up in race two, Chaz Davies.

“An incredible weekend. I expected to be strong here but I had no idea how strong. Two weekends in a row now, Brno and here, we have been the reference. Weekends like that do not happen all the time so we have to really absorb it and enjoy the moment,” said a jubilant Rea after the second outing.

“A double win at Laguna in the sunshine – it does not get much better. There are so many people out around the track. A massive thanks to all my crew, especially Pere because even though we won yesterday with a margin, last night he changed the bike completely and gave me some more confidence in the front.

“It worked a dream. It was one of those races where I could absorb what was happening, the crowd, the weather, where I was; it really was an incredible race.”

World Superbike’s now heads to Misano, the circuit at which Jonathan achieved his first race win back in 2009, riding for Ten Kate Honda.