Q&A: Jonathan Rea (HM Plant Honda)

Ulsterman Jonathan Rea took two solid podium finishes at Silverstone finishing second in race one and third in race two. He is keen to take that elusive win and is hoping Oulton Park could be the place to do it. When asked about a move to World Superbikes, he didn't deny it but he also wouldn't be drawn on the subject. He spoke with Crash.net Radio after his successful race weekend..........

Question:
Good day on track?

Jonathan Rea:
It's been ok. In the first race I rode really well, half way through the race I came back with a strong pace. The second race I came third but I didn't really get into the same rhythm as I had in the first race and I obviously struggled. For me it was unfortunate that the others crashed out but it gave me my third position which I think I would have had anyway as my tyre was coming strong at the end. I'm pretty happy it is good for HM Plant Honda and for me and Kiyo to be one two and one three in both races, so I'm happy enough.

Q:
Were you disappointed that the second race didn't run full distance?

JR:
I'm not sure; I think Gregorio Lavilla was pretty on it anyway, I don't think I could have caught him as there was quite a big gap. Early on in the race when I was in my rhythm I tried to chase the guys in front and two other riders came passed me and made pretty hard manoeuvres and upset my rhythm. I think I need to get a little bit more aggressive with these guys and stick it out that bit more and we will see what happens.

Q:
Are you looking forward to getting to Oulton Park?

JR:
Oulton is a great track for me, Honda and Michelin also. I can't wait to get there and hopefully have a good free practice and qualifying and be up there on race day. It should be good hopefully we can make it a Honda one, two, three. We were close to that this weekend with Leon Camier but it would be nice for Honda, for HM Plant and for me and Kiyo to be back on the podium.

Q:
The paddock gossip has started already about you moving on to World Superbikes can you tell us more?

JR:
Right now I'm concentrating on the job I have. What goes on behind closed doors is going on. Right now my job is to be with HM Plant Honda to win the Championship hopefully we are still on course to do that. We clawed back five points on the championship lead, hopefully at Oulton I'll be in front of my team-mate this time and improve even more on the championship lead. We'll see what happens I'm pretty optimistic and the team behind us they are putting a good job in. Michelin are also coming back and they are really trying. After our Thruxton drama they came here with good tyres and they have gone away with good information out of Silverstone to make it even better for Oulton Park. I'd like to thank everyone involved the whole infrastructure around me is pretty good. My crew chief and both mechanics they are doing a good job so thank you to them.

Q:
The North West 200 is coming up, will you be there cheering on John McGuinness?

JR:
I'll be back Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday and then I go to an Arai sponsor day on the Saturday so I'll miss race day which is unfortunate. I'll be up practice week watching, it is always good to get home and to see them in action and it is good fun for me. It's good to get home and see all my friends and family so I can't wait.