Ten Kate Honda's Jonathan Rea says it is time to take a step up the World Superbike podium this weekend at Miller Motorsport Park and try to better the third place he secured at Kyalami last time out.

The young Irishman is in a positive mood going into the US round and believes that team-mate Carlos Checa's double at the track last year is a good omen for the double-header on Sunday – and Rea says he is motivated by new circuits.

“I’m really looking forward to this trip; there’s something about going to a new circuit that gets me really motivated. There are no negative thoughts to take with me to Miller. In fact, after Carlos’s double win there last year, it’s only positive," said Rea.

"I’ll do a couple of laps with the team and try to pick up some tips from local riders. We’ve being doing pretty well in the last five races and I think the whole crew deserved that podium at Kyalami – but we’re here for more than that. I feel that it’s time to step up to the plate in the second half of the season and keep up the momentum we’ve found since Valencia.”