WorldSBK Phillip Island: Rea ready for rapid ‘home’ race

Kawasaki’s Jonathan Rea is back at his second home for WorldSBK’s final round of 2022 at Australia’s Phillip Island.

With the title sewn up in Indonesia, 37 points separates Rea from Toprak Razgatlioglu in the fight for second, with 62 on offer across the weekend’s three races.

“I’m really excited as it’s like a second home race, with my wife being born in the town here,” Rea confirmed from the Bass Coast Circuit. “We spend a lot of time here but it feels strange getting out of my own bed and going to the circuit.

“It’s an iconic track, full of challenges; the fast and flowing nature of the corners make it one that all riders love, and it brings a lot of excitement with fourth and fifth gear corners.”

While traditionally the season opener in Australia’s late summer, the final round three months earlier than usual may throw up some unexpected conditions.

“Being so cool, lap times will be faster as we put a lot of energy into the tyre at Phillip Island; high temperatures create more spinning with the tyres and more tyre consumption, so with more grip and potentially less spinning, the tyre should last longer, and the times should be faster.

“We can have four seasons in a day in February, in the middle of summer, so what’s it going to be like in November?

“Friday is meant to be a good temperature whereas Saturday and Sunday could be anything. It’s nice that we get to revisit Phillip Island so fast after the last round with it starting in 2023. Of course, between now and then, we’ll have winter testing and try new parts and items before coming back down in more summer-like weather.”