Rea Continues Winter Test Programme At Portimao
Jonathan Rea returns to testing action this week at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, near Portimao in Portugal, for a two-day track session on February 8 and 9.
After two winter tests at the Spanish circuit of Jerez, utilising new parts and settings for the 2022 Ninja ZX-10RR, the forthcoming test in Portugal will be useful to make comparisons with all the data gathered so far at a very different circuit design.
Six time WorldSBK champion Rea had the opportunity to complete a long run at the previous test in Jerez, despite only being on track for half a day, and was satisfied with the pace of the 2022 Ninja ZX-10RR so far.
This test, at the 4.592km long Algarve circuit, arguably holds more significance than the recent ones in Jerez as Kawasaki will share the track with more of their 2022 rivals and, unlike Jerez, the track is scheduled to host the ninth round of the forthcoming WorldSBK season, between October 7-9, 2022.
STATEMENTS:
Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team Rider): “It is nice to get back on the bike, especially at Portimao, which a track I enjoy. After our shakedown test recently in Jerez our biggest target is to reconfirm the positive items we have tested during December and January. That will give us good info, because if we can confirm these items at a couple of circuits, it means we are on the right way. The idea is just to keep building the package. I feel we have definitely improved the bike since last year. I was able to make a long run in Jerez and we found some positives with the bike and my riding style, so it is important to try and maybe focus on getting some information on how the tyres behave and the new items after many laps. Hopefully the weather is consistent and we can continue to build the package to start the season. There will also be more bikes on track at Portimao and a lot of the key manufacturers will be there testing. This is the first real test where everyone is together - which is always nice to draw some comparisons.”