Kawasaki Racing Team’s Jonathan Rea became the first back-to-back World Champion in WorldSBK since Carl Fogarty in 1999 after clinching his second title under the floodlights in Qatar on Saturday.
The Northern Irishman came into the crucial final round 48 points ahead of main rival and Kawasaki teammate Tom Sykes, making title success practically a guarantee barring any sensational drama.
Rea made his intentions clear from qualifying, taking pole position by two tenths of a second from Honda’s Nicky Hayden whilst Sykes was down in fifth. Rea chased Ducati’s Chaz Davies for much of the first race, though his challenge faded in the closing stages. But, with Sykes stranded in fourth place, Rea simply cruised to the flag to secure the crown.
With the title in his pocket, he battled hard in Sunday’s final race of the season to try and secure one last victory, but graciously gave up his pursuit of Davies on the final lap to allow Sykes through in order for the Yorkshireman to take runner-up spot in the standings.
It’s been a truly amazing year for Rea. On a brand-new ZX-10R, he claimed nine wins, nine second places and five thirds to amass 498 points. He finished off the podium just three times in 2016, twice due to retirements caused by mechanical issues, and the other by the narrowest of margins in the weather-affected first race in France.
“It’s more special than last year but in different ways,” the World Champion said. “The championship happened as a result of having an amazing rhythm through the year. It wasn’t easy, I really had to work hard for it.
“I am really happy and proud of our work because this bike was so new. We started the season so strong and the we were able to manager the last few races. To win in the first year of a new model is incredible and I want to thank Kawasaki for building such a good base bike. I expect to go from strength to strength.”
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