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PREMIER POLE FOR REA
The 18-year-old from County Antrim in Northern Ireland will line up at the head of one of the most experienced and competitive Superbike fields ever assembled in only his third road racing season. The Ulster teenager has been a surprise package to the Superbike establishment over the past two days of free practice and qualifying. More importantly, he was fastest in both of today’s official qualifying sessions at the tight and twisty 2.176-mile track. However, Rea is approaching the two 18-lap races in a typically mature manner – with his feet planted firmly on the ground. The talented Red Bull Honda protégé is sticking to his initial objective of securing a top six finish aboard the immaculately prepared CBR1000RR Fireblade. Rea has spent a lot of time developing the machine with Red Bull Honda’s Chief Technician Chris Pike since the beginning of his debut Superbike season. He feels confident that they have found the optimum set-up for his riding style – and the Irish circuit – and is hopeful of recording his best result of the season to date. Jonathan Rea: “I can’t believe how easy that felt on the Red Bull Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade. I’ve been trying much harder at other circuits this season and not doing as well. I’m absolutely ecstatic. “I’ve never had a pole position in the 125GP or Supersport classes over the past two seasons as part of the Red Bull rookie programme. This is proof of what Red Bull Honda can achieve in a relatively short space of time. To have managed this so early in my Superbike career is truly amazing.” Qualifying: 1. J. Rea (Red Bull Honda) 1:39.344; 2. G. Richards (Kawasaki) 1:39.475; 3. L. Haslam (Ducati) 1:39.518; 4. R. Kiyonari (HM Plant Honda Racing) 1:39.649; 5. M. Rutter (HM Plant Honda Racing) 1:39.724; 6. M. Laverty (Honda) 1:39.874; 7. G. Lavilla (Ducati) 1:39.903; 8. G. Mason (Honda) 1:40.077; 9. K. Harris (Honda-Racing.co.uk) 1:40.097; 10. D. Thomas (Kawasaki) 1:40.192
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