The 21-year-old, who rides for the Hannspree Ten Kate Honda Team, missed out on the opportunity to win the World Supersport title at his first attempt after he was taken out of contention by the wayward machine of Robin Harms at the penultimate round in France earlier this month.

He is currently second in the championship table, just seven points ahead of Josh Brookes in third position, and could secure a Honda one-two for Ronald Ten Kate’s team at Portimao next month after his team-mate, Andrew Pitt, was crowned WSS champion at Magny-Cours.

However, the Ten Kate team is keen for Rea to make his debut on the Honda Superbike in Portugal ahead of his step up into the class in 2009 and the Ulster rider has a tough decision to make in the coming weeks.

“My team really want me to ride the Superbike in Portugal in the final round.

“It’s so cool that they want me to start 2009 already, but I really want to prove something before I leave the Supersport class and I’m not sure what I will do yet,” said Rea.

“I have a few weeks to decide though. I want to thank my crew for their continued support and effort and without those guys I wouldn’t be where I am today.

“Also, thank-you to my fans for continuing to get behind me when things were not going well and for your messages of support. It really means a lot and I hope that I can do you all proud for the rest of the year.”

Rea was gracious in defeat after Aussie Pitt was gifted the Supersport title in France but admitted his frustration that the thrilling title tussle between the pair will not go down to the wire in Portugal.

“Congratulations must go to Andrew for the speed and consistency in which he showed this year and it just goes to show how strong the Ten Kate Honda machine is.

“It is just gutting for me that I can’t go to the next race and play it out there, in a winner-takes-all situation,” he added.

“I have accepted it wasn’t meant to be, even though I have been the strongest rider in the second half of the season.”

q DUNGANNON and District Motor Cycle Club will hold its annual general meeting at Ballynakelly Working Men’s Club, Coash Road, Dungannon on Tuesday, October 21 at 8pm sharp.