Solely two WorldSBK rounds now stay for Jonathan Rea in his full-time racing profession, and they’re going to are available fast succession with Estoril this weekend (10–12 October) and Jerez developing solely seven days later.
Rea has admitted it has been an odd feeling heading into his last two World Superbike races, particularly with them coming in consecutive weekends, however he additionally feels optimistic after sturdy performances in France and Aragon on the previous two rounds.
“Actually, combined feelings, actually,” Jonathan Rea informed WorldSBK.com forward of the Estoril Spherical.
“It was most likely the hardest bag-pack I’ve had, as a result of I’m going to remain out between Estoril and Jerez.
“Very unusual, to be trustworthy, however wanting ahead to it, particularly on the again of a powerful Sunday in Aragon, a powerful Sunday in Magny-Cours as nicely.
“I really feel if we are able to construct this momentum into the weekend then we are able to really feel comfy with the bike and trip it to its full potential, and do some good outcomes.”
Rea was additionally in a position to be within the struggle for the highest six positions final yr, finally taking top-five finishes in each lengthy races.
However the Pata Yamaha rider stays eager to keep away from expectations within the closing levels of his full-time World Superbike profession.
“I don’t wish to tie myself up with expectations, however I feel final yr was a stable one, I feel we’ve actually improved the bike as nicely,” he mentioned.
“However, like every thing, everybody’s improved, the benchmark’s larger this yr.”
An additional ingredient to this weekend is the addition of a brand new Pirelli entrance tyre, whereas there are additionally two improvement choices out there on the rear.
“We have to attempt to get by way of Friday nicely,” Rea mentioned. “Pirelli have introduced some new entrance tyres to strive, the SCX tyre is again, the SCQ [as well].
“It’ll be a little bit of an analysis tomorrow to see what’s what.
“However I feel if we are able to put it collectively and maximise our qualifying then there’s no motive why we are able to’t not less than goal to struggle inside that top-five.”
