Source: Supplied.

This weekend’s 11th round of the FIM World Superbike Championship (WorldSBK) marks the first opportunity for reigning champion Jonathan Rea to claim the 2017 crown, despite two rounds still left on the schedule following the completion of the event in Magny-Cours, France.

Rea has built a comfortable 121-point advantage over fellow Kawasaki Racing Team rider Tom Sykes, however with him in doubt for the weekend, it could present the number one the perfect opportunity seal up yet another world championship.

“I’m excited for this weekend, especially after such a strong weekend in Portimao where we remained for a day of testing after the race,” Rea commented. “We found some positives that we can perhaps implement this weekend to give me some extra confidence on corner entry.

“Magny-Cours is a great circuit and one that I’ve been strong at in the past. The circuit itself requires a little compromise when setting up the bike and we will also have to keep in mind the weather, as at this time of the year anything can happen.

“This weekend is the first opportunity we have to try to win the 2017 WorldSBK championship. I want to put that out of my mind for now and go and do my best in both races. I’m confident with how the ZX-10RR is now, and that we can go and fight for race wins.”

If Rea was the clinch the title this Sunday, it would be his third in as many years, signifying his dominance in the WorldSBK division.