‘Rea will win the title’

Is WSB predictable again, even though it’s a different name at the front? Six wins from six starts means Bautista is clearly dominating, but don’t write off Jonathan Rea. The Northern Irishman isn’t panicking just yet.

Some have slated Rea for his success and what they perceive as an arrogance in recent years, but now those same people are hoping he wins. While a MotoGP rider is taking WSB by storm, Rea is flying the superbike flag and upholding honours for the championship he has made his own. JR is the thinking man: he does whatever is

‘Rea can succeed in the face of adversity’

required to win titles, which sometimes may mean settling for second place, like he has in the first six races. He’s also got a very clever and close knit team, headed by ex-racer Pere Riba. And Rea has already proved he’s prepared to fight for it. Look at the way he rode in the Australia sprint race and how he seized his opportunity in Thailand on Saturday, diving through when Bautista left the door ajar. Also these are circuits Bautista knows well; you can’t say the same of Imola, Portimao, Magny-Cours or San Juan. Furthermore, Rea excels at those venues and history shows he can succeed in the face of adversity.

Some are suggesting the fight is already over thanks to Bautista’s superior MotoGP talents, but we are only 15% of the way through the season. I said it before the season and I’ll say it again now: Rea will be champion.