News 26 Oct 2016

Rea on the verge of WorldSBK milestone at Qatar finale

Could become first rider since Fogarty to defend championship.

Source: Supplied.

Source: Supplied.

Kawasaki Racing Team’s Jonathan Rea could become the first rider since Carl Fogarty in 1999 to clinch back-to-back Superbike World Championships this weekend in Qatar.

Reigning world champion Rea will enter the final round at Losail Circuit needing just two points to clinch his second title in a row aboard the ZX-10R.

It’s a significant score to Rea’s WorldSBK credit, as no rider since the legendary Fogarty in the 90s has managed to successfully defend their championship.

“I am happy to finish the season here at Losail because it is a circuit that I really enjoy,” Rea said. “The atmosphere of Qatar, being a night race in the middle of the desert, surrounded by five star hotels, is cool.

“All my family will be there and a lot of my friends are making the trip as well because I hope to cap off an amazing season with the championship win. That is what we have been working hard for all season.

“The races in Qatar give us our chance to try and do that. We have just come off the back of a good weekend in Jerez where I was on the podium for the first time ever and on the podium twice. I feel really equipped to go out and do a good job at Losail and I feel we can aim high this weekend.”

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