Will Jonathan Rea continue to rule in Superbike? According to Max Biaggi the throne will falter “because at this point it will be difficult to have the same motivation”
Will Jonathan Rea continue to dominate Superbike as has been the case for six years? This is the question that fans ask themselves while waiting to know the starting date of the World Cup which, on paper, should start from Assen on April 24-25. The fear of the opponents is that with the new Kawasaki Ninja, with a more powerful engine and refined aerodynamics, the 34-year-old Northern Irishman will be very difficult to beat. Max Biaggi, twice world champion of the derivatives from the series, instead goes against the tide. “At this point, I am convinced that it will be very difficult for Jonathan Rea to stay motivated. When everyone else improves, it is a difficult task to defend his kingdom.” Biaggi faced the Cannibal on the track for several seasons, when Aprilia was leading and Rea was riding the Honda.
THE POISONED SCOTT REDDING
Max Biaggi knows what he’s talking about. In his career he has won four consecutive World titles in 250. After dominating the scene for three years in a row with Aprilia, he migrated to Honda to find stimulus. Defending the number one even with the bike he had soundly beaten earlier. Jonathan Rea has been racing with Kawasaki since 2015 and last summer he signed a contract with no expiry date. He didn’t think for a second of leaving Akashi’s battleship. “The Ducati, however, will be even more aggressive, but above all Scott Redding will have a poisoned tooth. The Briton got an idea in 2020, he will have more experience next season and therefore will be much more formidable” stated Biaggi.
ABOUT HONDA AND YAMAHA
Biaggi predicts that Honda and Yamaha will also be in the game. HRC bets on Alvaro Bautista. The tuning fork brand awaits the consecration of Toprak Razgatlioglu. Also there are hopes for Garret Gerloff to take off, author of a very incisive 2020 finale. “They are two bikes that are growing a lot. I see them able to fight for the positions that matter, with riders who will do everything to try to beat number one“. We will have to wait a few months to understand if Max Biaggi is right. Or if, once again, Jonathan Rea will be unattainable for everyone.