24/04/2023 News
Rea Claims Two Superbike Podiums
Assen, Netherlands, April 24th 2023 - Jonathan Rea scored back to back second places before crashing out of the final race of the weekend. After the third round of the season in the Netherlands, the Kawasaki rider is now fifth overall.
Two podiums and a crash. Jonathan Rea had another mixed weekend at Assen. The Kawasaki rider was second in Race 1 and in the Superpole and was hoping for victory on Sunday afternoon but instead crashed out while chasing leader Alvaro Bautista. “Overall it was a positive weekend," commented the six-time World Champion. “The bike was good and I was able to ride it in a way I haven't been able to do for a long time. I got good starts, I was comfortable... The only negative was this crash in Race 2 that I find hard to explain. After analysing the data, it seems that we had a small problem with the gearbox. It's frustrating because I could have been on the podium again.”
Alex Lowes was seventh in Race 1, fourth in the Superpole and ninth in Race 2 after having to start with his second bike following a crash on the formation lap. “At a circuit like Assen with good grip we were in a stronger position," commented the Brit. “With the Superpole reduced to eight laps I felt good attacking at the limit. Race 2 was more complicated after my crash on the formation lap. I had to start from the back of the grid, but we had made some changes to the set-up that I was happy with. I was faster than the day before. We need to continue in this direction for the next few races.” With twenty more points, Alex Lowes gains two places in the overall rankings.