Jonathan Rea forced to wait for sixth World Superbike title after dramatic final race at Magny-Cours in France

The Kawasaki rider, who Saturday’s race and the Superpole race on Sunday to move to within touching distance of the title, needed to finish on the rostrum in race three.

However, Rea could only manage fourth place after appearing to struggle for grip throughout the 21-lap race, with the 33-year-old surviving several big moments as he tried to chase down Chaz Davies in third place.

The race was won by Rea’s closest title rival, Scott Redding (Aruba.it Ducati), with Frenchman Loris Baz taking the runner-up spot ahead of Davies and Rea.

Five-time champion Rea now heads to the final round at Estoril in Portugal with a lead of 59 points over Redding, where the Northern Ireland rider only needs to increase his advantage by a further three points to guarantee the world crown.

Rea will also have to wait a little longer for the opportunity to seal a 100th career World Superbike race win after moving onto a record 99 victories this weekend.

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