Important ‘to look at best Superbike rider of the world Rea’ - Mahias

Lucas Mahias claimed a season best P7 during the WorldSBK Superpole race at Donington Park - his third top ten in 12 races. 

Mahias had by far his most competitive weekend since making the move up from WorldSSP, as he finished much closer to the winner and podium places. During the ten lap sprint race Mahias was only 2.5s from third spot. 

The battle to be top rookie is a fierce one in 2021 as Italians Andrea Locatelli and Axel Bassani have also been strong at times. 

The three are separated by just 15 points - Locatelli leading the way, but Mahias who has built a reputation of coming on strong in the second part of the year, will fancy his chances at chipping away at that gap. 

Speaking about his weekend, Mahias said: "The weekend was not so bad. Step-by-step I improve a lot my feeling on the bike, the setting on the bike and also with the crew. 

"This morning the [Superpole] race was very good, I really enjoy and it’s my best result. I finished so close to the front - six seconds from the front, and three of four seconds from the podium. 

"This is a very good feeling but also it’s a special condition; I like this condition (wet). This afternoon the race was a little bit more difficult for me because, for the moment, I need more time to understand the electronics. 

"I don’t work a lot during this winter test. I had just four or five days of tests. For sure now, it’s more difficult for me to understand the long distance race, to change the map during the race for the electronics. 

"This is the key for big improvements now. I think my level with the fresh tyre is okay, but now, this is the key for finishing the race in a good direction."

Being a Kawasaki rider has also given the Frenchman ample opportunity to study the data of six-time world champion Jonathan Rea. 

Mahias has been seen following Rea on several occasions this season, someone he calls ‘the best rider of the world in Superbike’. 

Mahias said: "This guy is the best rider of the world in Superbike. He has the same bike as me and is the most champion. 

"For me it is really important to look at Johnny [Rea], to look at the style, to look at the data, this is really important. 

"I think the window for the Kawasaki is very short and there’s just one guy fast on this bike and for me this is the model."