Debut race disapointment for Rea
- From: TRS Media | Published: February 23rd, 2008 - 11:40 pm
Former British Superbike star Jonathan Rea suffered a disappointing debut in the World Supersport Championship after crashing out of third place in Qatar.
The HANNspree Ten Kate Honda rider had a promising start, qualifying on the front row and then was lying in third place in the race on the opening lap. On lap two Rea managed to secure second place, closely followed by team-mate Andrew Pitt in third, before disaster struck.
Rea high-sided and made it impossible for Pitt to avoid him, taking them both down. Both riders were given the all clear after medical examination and will be back on track next weekend when the HANNspree World Superbike Championship heads to Phillip Island in Australia.
Rea said: “I am very disappointed for not finishing my first Supersport race. My main aim was to finish and get some points on the board. I’m still struggling to understand the Pirelli tire on the rear; I’ve crashed on it twice this weekend.”
“I’ll have to watch the footage of this race and come back to Philip Island and find a new feeling. For sure when I push I am pushing hard and might have to change this a little. I’m also disappointed for the team and for Andrew (Pitt) as my mistake was his misfortune.”
“I think we can take a way some positives as well though. We were up front when it happened and not struggling somewhere halfway the field. We had a good race pace and the bike’s set-up was good so we can go to Philip Island with a positive feeling and look forward to starting the next race.”
