Rea works on balancing act at Donington Park

Defending World Superbike champion Jonathan Rea says he'll continue to refine the balance of his Kawasaki ZX-10R at Donington Park as he looks to break team-mate Tom Sykes' winning run at the British track.

With the Huddersfield rider six from the last six for wins at Donington Park and enjoying a return to the top step of the rostrum in race one at Sepang, Rea fully expects both he and Sykes to be competitive from the off at the Leicestershire circuit this weekend.

Having experimented with the engine characteristics on his new ZX-10R, Rea is aiming to continue his work from Sepang in the dry and find a positive balance and feel after moving weight around on the bike.

"At Donington this weekend we will be aiming to improve the balance of the Ninja ZX-10R and build into two strong races," he said. "The British weather is always a huge factor. I hope for some consistent weather but either way I am excited to go back to the UK.

"Donington is a track that I really enjoy. Watching the races back from last year it seems that the bike was really competitive for both Tom and myself, and that is positive. So far this season we have demonstrated the competitive nature of the new model already on some different circuit layouts, so it is clear that the package is strong."

Rea, like all the home riders in the World Superbike paddock, is relishing the prospect of huge local support as he aims to add to his one victory around Donington Park which was taken in 2012 when racing for Honda.

"I have got lots of fans coming from Northern Ireland so Castle Donington is going to feel like Belfast," he said. "I am really excited about that and trying to do a good job for Kawasaki and all my fans that are making the journey."