Superbikes | Jonathan Rea emerges stronger from the Imola round

Jonathan Rea had arrived at the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari in Imola, the fifth round of the season, with the aim of reversing the trend that saw him eternally second behind Bautista in all the races held up to that point in 2019 .
The four-time World Champion is undoubtedly a rider used to winning and the gap, certainly unexpected in these terms, also represented a psychological burden that was not easy to manage.

Rea was therefore determined to react and return to the top step of the podium, as he himself says: “I went to Italy with a different mentality than the one I had at the beginning of the season. Getting beaten in Australia was difficult. It was difficult to accept the defeat at Phillip Island but we talked about the Phillip Island effect. But then going to Thailand and Aragon it wasn't any better. We were beaten repeatedly by Ducati and Bautista."

“In Assen we started to reduce the gap but in Imola it wasn't just about getting a victory if not a great weekend. We were strong right from FP1 and then in all the subsequent sessions. They were some beautiful days that I enjoyed to the fullest. I don't want to say that we can win every weekend, it will be difficult but we have to do our best at every event."

Jonathan Rea therefore returned to top form at Imola, while Bautista was unable to compete with him in any of the sessions and in the two races held.

“Before the Italian event I said that it would be important to change attitude to gain momentum in the championship. I know how important this moment is. I want to win, every victory gives you a five point advantage… and everything counts. It was important not to lose points and, without a doubt, the time had come to do so. For us it was also important to show Alvaro that we are close. Chaz also had a positive weekend. He was fast and he won the Superpole” – said Rea.

The next stop will be in Jerez: the last time it was raced here, the Northern Irishman monopolized the top step of the podium by winning the challenge against Ducati.

“We're going to Jerez but, even though the winter tests we carried out there went well, we know it won't be easy. The winter conditions are ideal, the track temperature is perfect. We will not find the same situation in view of the next Round. Temperatures will be higher and tire management will be the key to winning in Jerez. During the race it will be very hot, so it will be essential to find a set-up that still allows us to be fast. Alvaro was very strong but we'll see what we can do. We have some tests planned in Misano before going to Jerez and we have many things to try” – concluded Rea.