Jonathan Rea victorious in first ever World Superbike race at Catalunya | Kawasaki rider edges closer to milestone 100 victories

The Kawasaki rider led all the way after securing pole position to notch up a staggering 97th career WSBK success.

Rea has now increased his lead at the top of the standings to 41 points as he closes in on a sensational sixth successive world crown.

His nearest rival, Ducati’s Scott Redding, finished in second position, 2.6s behind, with team-mate Chaz Davies rounding out the top three.

Dutchman Michael van der Mark came home in fourth on the Pata Yamaha after a battle with Team HRC’s Alvaro Bautista, while Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha) completed the first six.

Eugene Laverty was 11th on the factory BMW.

Kawasaki rider Rea has now won nine races this season as he edges ever closer to yet another World Superbike title.

The Superpole race on Sunday is scheduled for 10:00 BST with race two at 14:00 BST.

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