Jonathan Rea maintains perfect record in Superpole race with dominant World Superbike victory at Motorland Aragon
The Kawasaki rider maintained his 100 per-cent record in the sprint-format race this year as he led all the way to clinch victory over Saturday’s race winner and title leader Scott Redding.
Rea, who started from pole, shot into the lead after Ten Kate Yamaha’s Loris Baz went in too hot at the first corner and ran wide, leaving the door open for the reigning champion.
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Hide AdThe 33-year-old didn’t need a second invitation and Rea quickly found his rhythm, firing in a succession of fast laps to open a gap.
With Ducati rider Redding initially unable to find a way past Baz, it was the perfect scenario for Rea, who opened up an unassailable lead as he once again proved an unbeatable combination over the shorter distance Superpole race.
The Northern Ireland man wrapped up a comfortable win by 0.2s from Redding, while Michael van der Mark secured his first rostrum finish at Motorland Aragon on the Pata Yamaha.
Alvaro Bautista (Team HRC), Chaz Davies (Aruba.it Ducati) and Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team) completed the top six.
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Hide AdThere was drama on lap one when BMW Motorrad’s Tom Sykes ran off the track at the corkscrew-like Turns 8 and 9 as he battled with Davies.
Sykes then collided with the hapless Leandro Mercado when he re-joined the circuit, with the Argentinean rider coming off his Aprilia and retiring from the race.
Yorkshireman Sykes continued in the race and finished in 15th place. However, he was placed under investigation for the incident.
His team-mate, Eugene Laverty, was 16th as the Toome man finished outside the points.
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Hide AdRace three over 18 laps will take place on Sunday at 13:00 BST, when Rea will again start from pole. Title rival Redding lines up on the front row in second place, with Michael van der Mark starting from third position.
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