Honda's Jonathan Rea is looking for even more feel from the front end of his 2012 Fireblade during this weekend's Assen World Superbike meeting even though recent tests have seen marked improvements.

The Irishman has received new factory-spec forks from Ohlins and he will be working to get an optimum setup with them in first practice in Holland tomorrow but he has won the last three out of four meetings at the Circuit Can Drenthe, so it all could be a little bit of history repeating.

"It would certainly be nice to get back on the podium this weekend as it’s been a while since I was up there. It’s been a typically slow start to the season, really, and it was a little disappointing that we weren’t more competitive at Imola. With the new one-bike rule, it’s become difficult to try new and different parts on the bike but the test day that we had after the Imola race was really valuable," said Rea.

"I’ve got a better feeling with the front of the bike and, even though the weather wasn’t great and I’ve ridden faster around Assen, the test last week confirmed that improved feeling. We’re still looking for the optimum set-up with the new factory forks from Ohlins, but it’ll be good to race at Assen again. The place has got some really happy memories for me and it’s great for the whole team, because a load of guys from back at base, plus the partners of the crew, can come up and see what we do when we’re away for the weekend."