Jonathan Rea uncertain over World Superbike season re-start but issues important message to fans

Rea is spending time at home with his family and the 33-year-old Ballyclare man admits the future is uncertain.

One round of the championship has taken place so far, with Rea clinching victory in the Superpole race at Phillip Island earlier this month.

However, the next two rounds in Qatar and Spain were postponed and a return to action at Assen in the Netherlands next month appears very unlikely.

In an interview with BBC Sport NI, Kawasaki rider Rea said: “I don’t really care [about the championship] - I care about people getting healthy again and relieving stress on hospitals.

“What’s important is we get a handle on it and supporting each other.”

Yesterday, Rea urged the public to follow government advice to help prevent the spread of the virus.

In a social media post, he said: “Firstly, massive happy Mother’s Day to all the mums out there and secondly, I just want to say that I’m thinking of everyone during this coronavirus pandemic.

“Here in Northern Ireland we have watched from afar as it has swept around the world, but right now it is getting to the most critical time here on our doorstep.

“We need to act fast to fight back and take pressure off our nurses and doctors in the NHS. So kids, being off school doesn’t mean getting together with all your mates and having massive social gatherings and house parties – it means practicing social distancing,” he added.

“We’re off for a reason – we have to be clever and beat this. Practice good hygiene and wash your hands. Together we can fight back and get over this hurdle.

“It’s not going to be easy but there’s going to be light at the end of the tunnel. I’m thinking of everyone during this difficult time.”