Rea "eager for more" after historic third WSBK title
World Superbike champion Jonathan Rea says he remains “eager for more” after sealing his third successive title in the series at Magny-Cours.
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
The factory Kawasaki rider won the championship in dominant fashion at the French track, securing his 50th career WSBK win in difficult conditions by a margin of 16 seconds.
It means Rea draws level with Troy Bayliss as a three-time champion, with only Carl Fogarty having scored more. Rea, however, has become the first rider in series history to take three championships in a row.
Speaking afterwards, the 30-year-old said his unprecedented achievements in the last three seasons have not dulled his appetite for further success.
“No words really for how it feels right now, just super-grateful to be in this position,” Rea told the official WSBK website.
“I think the 50 race victories is going to get a bit lost with the championship, but I’m equally as proud of that.
“I don’t think I’ll understand exactly what I’m doing until I look back at my career when I’m old and out of racing. But right now I’m in the moment with a great team and I’m still really eager for more.
“I’m looking forward to finishing the season strong and then turning our attention to 2018 - of course we’re going face some bigger some challenges, but I’m ready for it.”
Having wrapped up his last two titles without winning the race, Rea said he was determined to ensure he could fulfil his “dream” of clinching the crown by standing on the top step of the podium this time around.
He added that a crash early on in Superpole earlier in the day had left him with pain in his shoulder, and that the race being held in the wet made his life easier.
“I wanted to win that race so bad, but also not at all costs,” said the Northern Irishman.
“In 2015 I won the championship by coming off the podium, and it was such a hollow feeling. The dream is to win the championship by winning a race.
“In 2016 I won [the title] when I was beaten by Chaz [Davies] in the race, but this year I made sure I won, and it wasn’t easy.
“This morning I lost the rear and crashed and really hurt my shoulder. It was probably a blessing that the race was wet, a little bit less physical.”
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