Ten Kate Honda's Jonathan Rea says that tyres will be the key to success in tomorrow's opening World Superbike races at Phillip Island, especially with so many riders lapping in the 1'31s bracket.

Rea, who claimed a front row on his WSB debut proper, thinks that after the race passes 16 laps whoever manages their tyre life best will stand the best chance of a win.

"I’m happy to be on the front row for the first race of the year, especially after the problems we had yesterday. The new format of Superpole was pretty exciting for everyone and it was amazing to see so many riders doing 31s laps round here," said the young Irishman.

"The races tomorrow will be pretty hard and the key is what happens to the tyres after about 16 laps. We’ll go away and have a good think tonight about it."