Halfway to History: Will we see Jonathan Rea make it four in a row?
65 points in the lead, and halfway there
Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) has proven an unstoppable force with his ZX-10RR throughout the past three seasons, as the Northern Irishman has been re-writing the history books. Certifying himself as a MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship legend with over 59 victories and three back to back title, the question remains on everyone’s lips: Can he take his fourth?
By securing the world title this season, it would equal the crowns taken by King Carl Fogarty who reigned in WorldSBK throughout the 1990’s, and is a hero to many on the grid today. Taking all four crowns in 1994, 1995, 1998 and 1999 with Ducati, Fogarty’s titles came with 59 victories along the way. In a similar twist of fate, Rea has also taken his three crowns with the same manufacturer – Kawasaki – and overtook Fogarty’s overall win record last time out at Brno.
With 60 wins to his name, Rea has certified himself has a WorldSBK legend but it’s all the all important fourth title in a row he has his eyes on. In 2017 he became the first rider to take three back to back titles, but 2018 could be set to be an even bigger year for the reigning champion. To equal Fogarty’s record of world titles would be an enormous achievement, and it’s hard to see anyone stopping him.
2018 has been a testing year out on track for Rea and his Kawasaki team, but their talent has still shone through and risen to the top so far this season. Winning his first race of the season in Thailand at Round Two of the championship, Rea then went onto extend his lead as the series headed to Europe. Taking the race one victory around both Aragon and Assen, his first double of the season was a welcomed return to the top around Imola. Taking his 60th WorldSBK win in race one at Brno, the 31 year old has only finished off the podium on two occasions so far this season, and has taken hold of the championship lead since race two in Thailand.
Leading the way by a fitting 65 points as the season hit the halfway point, he will be keen to head into the summer break with a solid lead ahead of his rivals, meaning the next two rounds will be pivotal for Rea. But, he is never a rider to look too far ahead and is taking it all step by step, one race at a time.
But with a strong desire and determination from his rivals and to put a stop to the Rea domination, it will be a tough challenge for the history maker in 2018. And you won’t have to miss a minute of it, with the WorldSBK VideoPass at a sensational half price offer.
