WorldSBK sporting director Gregorio Lavilla has sparked huge controversy among race fans after branding reigning champion Jonathan Rea ‘uncharismatic’ and almost blaming the Irishman for the series being dull.

Lavilla was being interviewed by Eurosport’s Charlie ‘Paxman’ Hiscott and when the former BSB champion was asked what he was going to do to make sure the series was more interesting for next season, he said:

“This is a funny question because in some other championships you have someone who is really the best one and everyone try to evaluate these things,” said Lavilla.

“Unfortunately, we have the best one but maybe he is not the most charismatic guy and these things are maybe losing interest for people.

“We don’t do things to change this, we just try to have fair racing and the best may win. In the case it’s the same rider all the time, congratulations to him.”

Anyone who has been to one of Rea’s parties will know he is far from uncharismatic…