Jonathan Rea should overturn a 67-point deficit in 4 rounds to win a seventh World Superbike title however the six-time champion retains full perception that the problem is just not insurmountable.
The Northern Eire man is third within the Championship going into right this moment’s opening race at Portimao in Portugal (2pm BST) at spherical 9 of the sequence, eight factors behind reigning champion Toprak Razgatlioglu in second with Ducati’s Alvaro Bautista 59 factors additional clear on the prime.
Rea’s window of alternative is shrinking however the 35-year-old has gained 13 instances at Portimao since he made his World Superbike debut on the Portuguese venue in 2008 and he believes the title battle is much from a foregone conclusion.
“I feel mathematically this Championship continues to be very potential,” he mentioned. “We've got to maintain working and we’re 4 rounds from the tip, lots of factors on the board.
“Something can occur and from my perspective I attempt to overlook in regards to the Championship as a result of it’s extra vital to win some races, to get the nice feeling once more, to work with the crew.”
Rea’s document at Portimao actually bodes properly for his prospects and he has solely fared higher at Assen within the Netherlands all through his profession, the place he has gained 17 instances.
Nonetheless, he isn’t studying an excessive amount of into his earlier 13 wins and 21 podiums at Portimao as he seeks a primary victory since his final success at Estoril in Portugal again in Might.
“I feel these stats are fairly good while you learn them again however like in every single place this 12 months we simply have to begin the weekend from zero and work actually laborious with my crew to create a superb bundle,” mentioned Rea. “I need to get again to successful methods.”
Rea was second quickest yesterday in free observe, 0.476s behind Razgatlioglu, with Bautista slotting into third.
In the meantime, seven-time Grand Prix world champion Phil Learn has handed away aged 83.
The English rider, who gained seven instances on the Isle of Man TT and 3 times on the Ulster GP, died at his dwelling in Canterbury.