Gino Rea: I want to be back trying to win races again in EWC

The fact that Rea was still in contention for an FIM Endurance World Championship top-three finish at the legendary Belgian track owed plenty to the London-born rider’s refusal to give up. His F.C.C. TSR Honda France team had been leading after 15 hours of racing, but a broken chain left Rea stranded on track and with no alternative but to push his stricken bike back to the pits, where rapid repairs ensured the recovery charge could begin from outside the top 10.

Ad Third place at Spa ensured Rea and team-mates Mike Di Meglio and Josh Hook arrived in Japan for August’s Suzuka 8 Hours firmly in the EWC title fight. But they were braced for a tough race in the heat and humidity of the Japanese summer – and against the might of several leading local stars and top World Superbike riders. FIM EWC2022 CSR Report: Key steps highlighted as EWC promoter Discovery Sports Events marks IDSPD15 HOURS AGO However, Rea never made it to the race after a crash in Saturday practice left him fighting for his life with serious injuries.

As well as his brain trauma, Rea broke two bones in his neck, his left collarbone and a rib. He also suffered bruised lungs and developed pneumonia. There were fears he wouldn’t be able to walk again, let alone ride – if he survived.

Seven months on from that horrendous August day, Rea is not just on the road to recovery after an intense period of rehabilitation, he also has a return to racing – and what will be an emotionally-charged Parade Lap ahead of the 24 Heures Motos at Le Mans next week (15 April) – firmly in his sights. This is what the 33-year-old has had to say of his incredible and heroic recovery. Where in the world are you Gino and how are you today?“I’m in Spain right now with my wife,