Reigning WorldSBK Champion Jonathan Rea will face the Ducati horsepower fest again at Buriram this weekend and says it is important to get the perfect setup nailed during free practice on Friday.

Rea has a good record at the Thailand track but with two vey long straights, could be fighting an uphill battle against the top speed of the Panigale V4 in the hands of series leader Alvaro Bautista, who won all three races at Phillip Island.

"The circuit is one of two halves; the first being fast stop-and-go sections and then the flowing final sectors, which play to the strength of the Ninja ZX-10RR setup," said Rea.

"Friday will be important to nail that setup and understand our level. I’m excited to start.

"We have enjoyed some great success there in the past, so the goal is to build on our results from Phillip Island."

After finishing in second place in all three WorldSBK races in Australia, Rea is keen to get back to winning ways at the first opportunity and extend his all-time record total of race victories to beyond his current tally of 71.

Rea has an enviable record of six race wins and one additional podium finish in eight race starts at Buriram.