
WorldSBK Champion Jonathan Rea had more than one reason to celebrate his double success on the first day of action at Misano and the San Marino round in Italy. #1 took great satisfaction in pegging back a few more points on title rival Alvaro Bautista but the chequered flag and Superpole effort around the flat and rain-soaked circuit meant JR toasted ten years of victory in the FIM World Championship and also became the most prolific racer at the renowned Misano venue.
A summer cloudburst threw Friday’s sunny set-up and acclimatisation work into the nearby Adriatic sea and gave Rea an opening to use his optimum feeling with the factory Kawasaki. After a first back-to-back Superpole achievement since 2017, Rea kept his head as the first race was delayed, red-flagged and then restarted amidst the storm.
Despite the brave efforts of Pata Yamaha’s Alex Lowes in pursuit of Rea’s rear wheel (the Englishman would eventually fall out of contention for the win) the world champion held firm and faultless to crown a special triumph a decade after his very first WorldSBK milestone at the very same track.