Redding: ‘I just want to win races’, not looking at P2 in the championship

Although second in the championship is still mathematically possible, Scott Redding is focused purely on winning WorldSBK races in what will be his final race weekend with Ducati.

The former MotoGP rider, who leaves for BMW after this weekend’s season finale at the all-new Mandalika International Circuit, Indonesia, is currently 36 points behind Jonathan Rea who himself is 30 points behind Toprak Razgatlioglu. 

For Redding to claim second in the championship come the end of play on Sunday, he will likely need to win at least two races, while also relying on results that are out of his control to take place, which is why thinking about the championship situation has been a non factor since the last round for Redding.

"I haven’t even looked at the championship standings mate, but I know it’s possible and I will need to win for sure," said Redding. 

"All I can do is try to win and see what happens. I’ve not put any real thought into it. I just want to win and finish on a high in the last race of the season, that’s my goal." 

Following a relatively slow start to both practice sessions for Redding, the Ducati rider eventually finished fifth overall courtesy of a late effort in FP2. 

However, there’s work to do according to Redding as the 28 year-old is losing significant time to Razgatlioglu in particular during sectors two and three. 

Speaking about how the track felt to ride for the first time and his overall performance levels, Redding added: "It feels the same everywhere. Sector two and sector three I’m struggling a little bit, but all the Ducati’s are struggling a bit there so it’s a little bit of a bike thing. 

"But I feel okay. I was working with the tyre for the race today so there wasn’t much set-up (work), just learning the track, checking the tyres and we will try to improve the bike tomorrow. 

"I’m not too worried, there is a little bit of a gap, but with the tyres and if you’re following on a new track that can make quite a big difference. 

"I mean, I was pretty much alone all day because I wanted to do my own work and tomorrow we’ll see if we can make a step."