Failed In The Second Series Of WSBK 2023, Jonatan Rea Complains About Frustrating Tracks Of Mandalika Circuit

Kawasaki Racing racer, Jonathan Rea. (Photo: Instagram/@jonathan_rea)

MANDALIKA - Kawasaki racer, Jonatan Rea, complained about the track of the Mandalika Circuit when it failed to shine in the second series of the 2023 World Superbike (WSBK), last weekend. In addition, the wind factor is also claimed as a cause.

Rea admitted that racing at the Mandalika Circuit was a very difficult weekend. Not much positive for the team although there has been some progress compared to the previous race.

He considered that the track of the Mandalika Circuit was quite inconsistent since the free practice (FP) session which took place on Friday, March 3. In that session, the track had a very low grip level but increased during the main races.

"So, we can never prepare perfectly, but I feel we are getting better," said Rea, quoted via Antara from the official WSBK website.

The six-time world champion continued, before the main race and the Superpole, he found a problem on his motorbike which prevented him from racing better even though his speed was quite stable.

"However, in Race 2 I lost (control) on the front. I'm not really sure why, but it was quite windy in that area. I think the wind just lifted the front (bike)," said Rea.

At the Mandalika International Circuit, Rea had a tough weekend as he only scored 13 points in three races. He was also eliminated from Race 2 while trying to get into the top five in that race.

The British rider was unable to make progress. Even though at the start of the race Rea was in the top six positions. But on the 8th lap he had to crash because he was too fast and lost his balance at Turn 7. He also lost the front of his ZX-10RR engine.

"I was frustrated, and I found it very difficult to pass anyone on acceleration or braking," said Rea.

"But we have to accept this difficult weekend, try to learn from it and then forget about it when we return to Europe. So even if we are disappointed, we need to keep our heads high and keep fighting," he continued.