Superbike, Lausitzring, Race 1: Another crash for Jonathan Rea

Superbike, Pirelli German Round, Race 1. Jonathan Rea has only one objective ahead of Race 2 tomorrow at the EuroSpeedWay Lausitzring: to reverse the trend which has seen him score zero points in two consecutive races.

As at Laguna Seca, the last round before the summer break, where he was held back by some technical problems, interrupting a record of 17 consecutive podiums, the reigning champion suffered another fall during the eighth lap at turn 10 , due to a gear that didn't go into gear.

The second consecutive retirement could cost the championship leader dearly: his lead over Tom Sykes has been reduced to just 26 points, with seven races remaining in the season.

“It was very frustrating. When I got to turn 10 I found myself in neutral and the problem is that when you race at this level, at the limit, there is no margin for error. At that moment I had no engine brake and I couldn't stop the bike when cornering. I tried to put it in first gear but it didn't go in, and right at the end when I was with the bike at an angle it went in and I fell. It was frustrating” – he said Jonathan Rhea , who nevertheless remains optimistic – “We can't think about the Championship, it's too early. We'll just have to leave tomorrow and try to do the best job we can. The good thing is that whatever happens tomorrow I will be the leader in the standings, so let's not think about it. Today I felt better on the bike than yesterday. It wasn't perfect because it was quite difficult to stay in front, but I learned a lot and I hope to be able to apply the new knowledge tomorrow and keep the pace easier."