Rea ‘recharged and refreshed’ ahead of first WorldSBK test

Jonathan Rea and Kawasaki are set to begin their 2022 WorldSBK test schedule at Jerez before moving on to Portimao in February. 

The two-day test in Jerez takes place on January 26-27 and will be Rea, team-mate Alex Lowes and Lucas Mahias’ first on-track action for the Japanese manufacturer in 2022. 

However, It won’t be the first time Rea is in action since winning both 2021 season finale races at Mandalika last November - completed a two-day test once again at Jerez last month. 

The six-time world champion is set to take part in four of the five confirmed WorldSBK tests, and after ‘really recharging my batteries’ the Northern Irishman is ready to begin testing as he goes in search of a seventh title this year.   

Rea said: "We have two days planned at Jerez but depending on the weather forecast, the schedule and how we get on, we may choose to use one of them and save another for later in the year. 

"We had a very productive test at Jerez at the end of last year, so it is always good to go back and draw comparisons. 

"The guys back at the KRT workshop, and KMC, have had a chance to go over all that data and try to improve. 

"We will understand the results in a few days. I have been at home, really recharging my batteries. 

"I haven’t travelled at all since my last test so it has been really productive from a preparation point of view. I am feeling refreshed and now I’m looking forward to riding again and seeing the guys."

Kawasaki’s Rea, Lowes and Mahias will also be joined by WorldSBK rookies and Team HRC riders Iker Lecuona and Xavi Vierge.