Record breaker Rea ready to shine at floodlit Losail circuit
Season wins record and points record could be broken in Qatar, with other milestones also within his reach
Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) faces another historic opportunity at the final round of the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship. After setting the best winning streak in WorldSBK history in Round 12, the reigning champion has several more records in his sights at Losail International Circuit, including those for the most race wins and the most points scored in a single season.
Rea is currently one victory away from matching Doug Polen’s record of 17 wins in one season, with two races remaining. A double would be his seventh of the season – another milestone – while a win in either Race 1 or Race 2 would make him the most successful rider with a single manufacturer (56 wins for Kawasaki). The record 556 points he accumulated in 2017 are also close to being surpassed, with the KRT rider sitting just 36 points behind.
The list of achievements racked up by the Northern Irishman is mind-blowing as it is, but Rea is determined to inscribe a new chapter in his illustrious career at one of his favourite rounds: “The evening event features a more laid-back approach from everyone. It is a round I look forward to taking my family to because during the day we get to spend a little bit of time beside the pool, before going out to do the job. Losail is a great track, very flowing and it should suit the nature of our bike”
The 31-year-old did the double last season at Losail, a feat he aims to repeat in 2018: “After an incredible season I want to try to finish it off on a real high and have a few weeks of downtime before we start winter testing. Before any of that, it is very important to do a great job in Qatar. Like the previous races we go there with the aim to try to win.”
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