REA’S TITLE GLORY
2015 A ‘marriage made in heaven’
In a fairytale maiden season with Kawasaki the title is won in Jerez, ironically with a first nonpodium finish of the campaign. Rea becomes just the third rider in World Superbike history to claim a crown for the green marque, after Scott Russell in 1993 and Tom Sykes in 2013. Although Chaz Davies put up a valiant effort, forcing Rea to leave the champagne on ice in Malaysia, the first Rea-Kawasaki season is a dominant one. His ‘marriage made in heaven’ partnership with crew chief Pere Riba is a highlight. Rea celebrates the championship win by donning Brian Reid and Joey Dunlop replica helmets for his celebratory lap in Spain.
2017 An historic ‘three-in-a-row’
Nobody had ever won three successive World Superbike titles but convention has never bothered Jonathan Rea. He emphatically makes history with his 50th career victory at Magny-Cours: a third different title-winning circuit in as many years. The season is his most dominant yet despite regulation changes forcing the use of standard throttle bodies, affecting Kawasaki far worse than its rivals. A rivalry with Chaz Davies hits an all-time low following an incident at Assen. Rea’s dominance is such that Kawasaki elect to race the Qatar finale with the bike in 2018 spec; a clever bid to get ahead on development before significant regulation changes.
2016 The one ‘that nearly got away’
There are significant changes as Kawasaki rolls out its new bike, developed mostly by team-mate Tom Sykes who enjoys a much-improved season. Unique to all of Rea’s titles thus far, the championship goes down to the wire in Qatar. Gearbox and engine problems dog Rea throughout the season which lead to an off-track moment at Imola, stoppage at Laguna Seca and crash at the Lausitzring. In the second German race, Rea responds with what is generally regarded as his best-ever victory as he overcomes horrendous conditions while Sykes slides off. Rea becomes the first rider to successfully defend a title since Carl Fogarty in 1999.
2018 You can slow us down if you like…
There’s a bitter taste after Dorna reveal changes to penalise success, meaning rev limits can be altered depending on results. Not only that, the Kawasaki is turned down ahead of the campaign. There is frustration early on, not least in Thailand as the team suffers brake problems, rectified when a cooling duct is allowed at Imola. The turning point is a test at Brno, after which the Ninja is unbeatable. Rea’s relationship with Sykes crumbles. Other than that it’s another record-breaking year with an unprecedented 60th win to move ahead of Foggy. Once again, the title is clinched in France; 189 points to Davies is Rea’s biggest win margin yet.