'Stuff of dreams' for three-time world champ Jonathan Rea
The Kawasaki rider obliterated the opposition to win in the wet by over 16 seconds from Ducati’s Marco Melandri, with Tom Sykes third on the second of the KRT machines.
Rea has joined Aussie Superbike legend Troy Bayliss on three World Superbike titles, but the 30-year-old is the first rider ever to be crowned champion in three successive seasons.
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Hide Ad“It’s not hit me yet,” Rea said. “I dreamt of one world championship as a kid and it was all I held onto through all the sacrifices made by my parents in the motocross days, working towards a goal like that.
“To get one was incredible and then back-to-back titles with the new bike was unbelievable, but this one’s incredible – I’ve no words really.
“This year has been unbelievable so far and the bike has been working really good. I feel like it’s matching my style a little bit more now and I’m lost for words,” he added.
“I just want to thank all the support I have at home and all my team as well, who have put me here. Our bike is really strong and I’m just enjoying the moment.”
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Hide AdRea has sewn up the championship ahead of Sunday’s second race at Magny-Cours and with two rounds remaining in October and November at Jerez in Spain and Losail in Qatar.
The Ballyclare man has won 12 races this year and has now increased his tally of World Superbike victories to 50.