Jonathan Rea took victory in today’s WorldSBK Superpole race at Estoril, gambling on the standard SC0 rear tyre while all about him opted for the softer SCX.
Rea was in an early three-way dice with Scott Redding and Toprak Razgatlioglu but the Irishman managed to make a break as the Ducati man struggled for grip.
Each led the race, but after Rea had settled he took advantage of any slip up and eased out to win for the first time at Estoril. This is the 20th track in WorldSBK at which Rea has won a race.
Razgatlioglu, outbraked by Rea for a change, was second by 0.690 seconds, with Redding third after overcoming the strong challenge of fourth placed finisher Garrett Gerloff (GRT Yamaha).
Michael Rinaldi (Aruba Ducati) held off the late challenge of Lowes for fifth place, with the top six covered by just 3.623 seconds.
Tom Sykes (BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) held off the challenge of BMW satellite team rider Eugene Laverty (RC Squadra Corse BMW).
Chaz Davies (Team GoEleven Ducati) came from 15th to ninth (and a third row start for the Race Two finale), while Alvaro Bautista (HRC Honda) was just inside the top ten.
