SBK, Rea: "I have the pace I wanted, but it's not enough"

It all seems so easy for Johnny Rea. Today he just missed out on that cherry on the cake, or rather the fastest time, closing 66 thousandths of a second behind Chaz Davies. It's not important, as the Northern Irishman is dominating when it comes to race pace, something that became clear during his 20-lap long run. Lapping consistently in 1’30”8.  No-one seems able to match that rhythm for now.

A practically perfect day.

“I'm very pleased because in the race simulation I showed that I am fast and that was the goal today. It's mainly thanks to the tyres, which offer great performance without dropping at the end”.

Did you expect to be so fast after the tests?

“Honestly no, I thought tyre management would be more complicated in the final phase, but Pirelli and Kawasaki have surprised me”.

The feeling is that the race is yours to lose this weekend.

“I'm not so sure, this is the first race of the season and everyone wants to do well. And that means that anything can happen. I think we're improving, trying to iron out all the details. I prefer not to look at the other riders, and am just focusing on myself, without any particular strategy”.

The Kawasaki seems perfect. Is that actually the case or do you still need a little more?

“Perhaps engine power is not at the level of last year. We're struggling a little too much with corner exit, but I'm pleased with the work done by the team”.

Who will be your direct rival?

“I really don't know, I haven't seen the times yet. I'd say Davies, because he's one of the fastest. I wouldn't underestimate Forés either, he was quick today, and also in the tests earlier this week”.