Kawasaki Racing’s Jonathan Rea is raring to get back to business as the first of two WorldSBK tests heads for Jerez this week.

Two days at the Andalucian circuit on Wednesday 25th and Thursday 26th January, before the paddock journeys west to Portimao the following week, will allow the six-time champion to reassess decisions made in December. The track time also provides the opportunity to gel with his amended crew set up ahead of the long-haul flight to Phillip Island in a month’s time.

“I am excited to get back on the bike again because in the December test, to be honest, my motivation wasn’t very high, coming straight after the last round of the previous season,” Rea admitted ahead of travelling to Spain. “At that test there were some definitive parts that we had to make decisions on, so that we could be supplied with them this season. The guys have now had time to think about it all and everybody is re-motivated.

“We have some new staff in the garage as well for 2023. So I am looking forward to getting stuck in once we get to Jerez. Of course, in January it can be a bit hit-and-miss with the weather, but we are praying for some dry weather to keep working with the Ninja ZX-10RR.”