Crash.Net’s Top 10 WorldSBK Riders of 2021: 2nd - Jonathan Rea

After missing out on a seventh consecutive WorldSBK title, the first time that’s happened since joining Kawasaki in 2015, we have ranked Jonathan Rea second on our top ten riders of 2021.

The 2021 season was another brilliant for one Rea as he claimed as many wins (13), more podiums and more pole positions than new world champion Toprak Razgatlioglu. 

Rea also secured his third highest points tally for a single season (551) which is the fifth time he’s eclipsed the 500 mark. 

However, uncharacteristic errors while challenging the Pata Yamaha rider led to five crashes in race situations, four of which came whilst first or second. 

In fact, Rea suffered just six crashes for the entire year which shows that he was riding on the limit mostly during races as opposed to any other session. 

The first of Rea’s falls came at Donington Park as he tucked the front (turn 8) whilst leading. A double race one crash followed two rounds (four races) later at the new Autodrom Most circuit. 

But the crashes that arguably had the biggest impact on his championship and sure to be the most disappointing given his winning record was Portimao. 

Heading into the Portuguese round, a round where he would have expected to claw points back on Razgatlioglu due to winning 12 of the previous 13 races, Rea suffered back-to-back crashes while leading.

The first came courtesy of a fall at turn 15, while Rea also went down during a wet Superpole race at turn 13.

But despite those moments Rea managed to bounce back with victory in the final race as Razgatlioglu also crashed out at turn 15 due to a mechanical failure. 

Rea would go on to win the final two races of the season and close a 30 point lead down to just 13, however, with his strangle-hold on the WorldSBK title being lost for the first time in seven years, ranking Rea second on our list was an obvious decision. 

Another incredible championship battle should take place between Rea and Razgatlioglu in 2022 as both riders remain with their current teams. 

Rea 2021 stats: 

Championship Finish: 2nd

Points: 551

Wins: 13

Podiums: 30

Pole Positions: 8

Top Ten Results: 33

Points Scores: 33

Front Row Starts: 12

Overall crash total: 6

Non-Finishes: 3

Races: 37