Reigning WorldSBK king Jonathan Rea has started the defence of his crown well, taking four wins from six races and opening a gap of 35 points over Toprak Razgatlioglu.

Rea and the Kawasaki team have been working on tyre life - among other things - over the winter and it has stood the Irishman in good stead as the circus lands at Misano this weekend.

"We have been able to change the characteristics of our Ninja ZX-10RR at Estoril and it really improved the size of the ‘window’ and we will continue to try these ideas," said Rea.

"We are right into the thick of the summer months now and I think all the work we have been doing last season and during the off-season, focusing on the hot temperatures and being easy on the tyre, is really coming into its own. Misano is a quite flat track and with it being resurfaced a few years ago it gave me a strange feeling when we tested there last year.

"But, we were still able to be fast. I’m looking forward to the challenge this weekend and seeing all our great fans back trackside again.”

For the first time this year, spectators will be allowed into the track which will make podiums all the sweeter.

“I am excited to go to Misano especially after we missed the race there last year. It is a track that I really enjoy riding at; both for the circuit itself and the Italian hospitality.

"The area is incredible and I always enjoy spending time there with my family, by the beach and the sea. The food, the fans, it has got absolutely everything, especially this weekend as we got some fans back trackside which is going to make it even more special."