Pata Honda’s Jonathan Rea believes he is in far better shape following two days of World Superbike testing at Phillip Island than he was at this time last year but still feels there is work to do with the bike’s balance as he is losing three-tenths in the last third of the track.
Rea, and team-mate Leon Haslam, are on average a second faster per lap than they were in the two races in Australia last year, and the Irishman has identified the final sector - Lukey Heights to the line - as place he can find time.
“It's clear that we're starting the season in much better shape than last year but it's so, SO competitive. It's actually quite exciting! There are a few guys who've got a bit more ultimate pace than me, but Phillip Island is a race where you really have to work for the full 22 laps,” said Rea.
“Today, we focused more on that and, to be honest, we still have some work to do - quite a lot with the chassis to find a good balance for the circuit which demands a unique style of riding compared to European circuits. I also need to sort the final sector because until that point on the track I'm quite competitive. But with everything so close, I can't afford to give away three tenths in one sector.
“We'll take a good look at that and see what's what. The weekend should be quite exciting because nobody is head and shoulders above anyone else - it's very tight at the top.”
