Jonathan Rea has won his 1st World Superbike Championship by claiming fourth place in the first race at Jerez. He is the 5th British rider to win a WSBK title. The 28 year old Irish rider had only needed a top nine finish to ensure he became his nation’s first WSBK champion since 1968. Rea finished behind England’s Tom Sykes, the Welshman Chaz Davies and Michael Van der Mark of Holland.
The fourth-place finish has given Rea a 137-point lead, with just 125 points available in the remaining five races.
On the parade lap after he secured the title in Race One, Rea stopped to wear the replica helmets of Irish racing heroes Brian Reid and Joey Dunlop. He said:
I come from a little island and road racing is big in that region. My grandfather was even involved in Dunlop’s career. I just wanted to celebrate two Ulstermen who won on the world stage before me. I enjoy watching the TT as I live on the Isle of Man and I have the utmost respect for those who race it, but my career path is in WSBK.
The final two rounds of the season take place in France and Qatar on October 4 and 18 respectively.
xBhp congratulates Jonathan Rea on becoming the new WSBK Champion. #JR65WorldSBKChamp
News Source: http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/other-sports/northern-ireland-s-jonathan-rea-wins-world-superbike-title-1.2359175
