‘Final position in the races doesn’t show our potential’ - Rea

Big improvements for Buildbase Suzuki rider Gino Rea saw him set the fastest lap of BSB Knockhill race three, however, a mistake late on resulted in 11th place. 

Rea was on course for his best result of the season after battling with Bradley Ray, Peter Hickman and Jason O’Halloran for the final top five spot. 

But a mistake, followed by an issue with the bike, then contact with Honda Racing UK rider Glenn Irwin resulted in another race where ‘the final position doesn’t show our true potential’. 

Rea said: "I’m actually really happy with the last race and Sunday in general. Although my one lap pace was good we struggled in the races. After warm up we took a big risk with the chassis – playing with linkages, the rear shock, swingarm pivot – and it paid off. 

"We were able to run with the front group and I felt comfortable. In race two it was physical and I struggled to remain consistent, but we showed how fast we were with the seventh fastest lap time. 

"In race three we set the fifth fastest lap which shows we have the pace, and we stuck in the leading group for longer but I made a small mistake which cost me time and positions. 

"I then felt something with the bike and tried to pull off the racing line but unfortunately [Glenn] Irwin touched me and went down and that caused the red flag. 

"But again, the final position in the races doesn’t show our potential and I’m really happy with my pace."