WorldSBK Phillip Island Test: ‘Mixed day’ for Rea, season ‘unpredictable’

Kawasaki’s Jonathan Rea returned to his second home on Monday as testing resumed ahead of the 2023 WorldSBK season opener at Phillip Island.

Four hours apiece across Monday and Tuesday, and with perfect weather conditions compared to November’s recent visit to the Australian Grand Prix Circuit, is allowing the six-time champion to thoroughly analyse recent steps made with the Ninja ZX10-RR during January’s European testing at Jerez and Portimao. With the Northern Irishman tentative in his initial reactions.

“Positive, mixed,” Rea said after day one at Phillip Island. “We had some really good feelings with the bike but some not so good that we’re trying to resolve for tomorrow. Some issues with the bumps.

“The bumps aren’t getting worse but the bike feels different compared to last year.

“Also the temperature’s a lot higher compared to last year so the grip levels are good but of course the tyres are dropping much more than in November - where there was cooler conditions, a lot of wind also - so just working through that with the crew. Will put our heads together and hopefully make a good step tonight, when we understand everything that’s going on.”

While multiple red flags for wildlife on track disputed the day’s flow, a turn four crash in the afternoon session left his Kawasaki somewhat lacking.

“Basically was a mix of things,” he explained. “I went out with a completely different wheelbase. Also a new hard front tyre that I hadn’t used yet and I was pushing hard. I set the fastest lap time of the session just before and then the next lap I went in with good power, good feeling and just overcooked it. On data was very similar, just a little bit more lean angle. One of them, you know.

“Frustrated, because I was