Jonathan Rea’s farewell to Kawasaki is almost over, with Jerez hosting the final round of the World Superbike Championship this weekend. It will be Rea’s last dance with the manufacturer that has been with him for the last seven years and with which he has won six world titles, which is why it will be very intense in terms of emotions, with the rider wanting to go out on a high note.
Looking ahead to the decisive round of the World Championship, where the champion will be crowned, Rea began by reflecting on the mental aspect, with his farewell to the team in sight: ‘It is a strange feeling going to Jerez knowing that it is my last round with KRT and I am sure it is going to be an emotional weekend together with the staff’.
The #65 then spoke about the work that will take place on the spanish track: ‘On track we will try to do the best job we can. It is a track that perhaps has been a difficult one for us but we have also shared some great times there, winning races. It was also the scene of winning my first World Championship for Kawasaki. We do a lot of laps there in the winter tests so we have a good idea of set-up. Of course, the Ninja ZX-10RR has evolved throughout the year and we have made steps in a positive direction’.
Rea continued his analysis, with the championship place in mind: ‘I really want to finish the year strongly for my team. We are still fighting for third place in the championship. The big target of the weekend is to enjoy riding the bike and do the best job we can but also to ensure we deliver that top three in the World Championship’.
The briton then concluded with a clear wish: ‘I want to really try to enjoy the weekend with my team. All the build up to the weekend, all the weekend, and of course post-race, reflecting on what an amazing partnership it has been – I am sure it is going to be an emotional one. I hope I can give a good account of myself and do the team proud’.