Honda’s WorldSBK bike remains “similar” now to how it was in January’s winter tests, according to Jonathan Rea.

Rea and Somkiat Chantra were the only Honda WorldSBK riders on-track this week at the first in-season test of the year at Portimao, as Chantra’s full-time teammate, Jake Dixon, continues his recovery from injury.

The Northern Irishman was ninth-fastest on the first day of running, before rain largely washed out the second day and saw almost nobody set a lap time.

“The feeling with the team was super positive and very welcoming,” Rea told WorldSBK.com. 

“Of course, I know from the winter tests a lot of faces and the relationship and information between both the race team and test team is very close. 

“The bike was similar and, for me, this test was just to keep on working, trying to understand the bike and the areas we need to improve. 

“We confirmed some items that we tested in January but, unfortunately, the weather’s not been on our side. We didn’t finish the complete test programme. 

“The goals for the test were to first confirm the feeling we had in January and try to work on our weaker areas where we can improve the bike. That will be a continuous evolution. 

“HRC are working hard alongside the test team to improve the bike. It’s not something you can do from today to tomorrow, but we’ll keep working.”

Rea also spoke about his physical condition, saying his knee – that was injured in his Superpole Race crash at Jerez last October – is in a much better condition now than it was in the January tests.

“Physically, my condition is a lot better,” he said.

“I’m still getting over some sickness from last week. I was able to complete laps with no pain or injury problems. 

“At Jerez, I was really struggling with my knee; I couldn’t bend my knee enough to ride comfortably. At this test, it’s not been a problem. 

“Portimao is a physical track, so it was a good test. I feel physically ready to keep progressing with testing.”