SBK | GP Jerez Race 1: Rea, “I wanted the podium”

SBK GP Jerez Kawasaki – Jonathan Rea finished Race 1 of the Spanish Grand Prix in Jerez, the 12th stage of the 2023 World Championship, in fourth position.

On a weekend marked by complex track conditions, Rea demonstrated his realism and ambition, aiming for a top-five finish but with his sights set on the podium. Rea, always attentive and tactical, is already preparing for the following day, demonstrating his constant determination to dominate the competitions.

Statements Jonathan Rea GP Jerez

“I think the Superpole result gave us more optimism than reality, to be honest, so maybe the first laps of the race got everyone excited. But the goal for me was the top five. Obviously I wanted a podium; this was the ambition. When I was fourth I could see Locatelli and thought it wasn't bad where we came from on the first day. The track wasn't in great condition all weekend, to be honest, so comparing things to the data we had before was irrelevant. Choosing the SC0 rear tire was a great move because no one else was using it. I used it for a ride in the morning and it transformed the bike. It felt more normal and I felt like it was the best option. We needed to consolidate third place in the World Championship and now it's done, so we need to think more about tomorrow."