Shaina interviews… 2019 WorldSBK champion Jonathan Rea!

13-year-old Indonesian motorcycle racing fan Shaina Salvia spoke to Jonathan Rea at Magny-Cours, moments after the Kawasaki star clinched his fifth World Superbike title…

Shaina:

Congratulations for winning the championship for a fifth time, how does it feel?

Jonathan Rea:

I'm just so happy because the target at the beginning of the year was to win. It looked difficult in the beginning, but we kept working and we did it. It's difficult to describe all the emotions as it's only just happened.

Shaina:

How are you going to celebrate, with your family?

Jonathan Rea:

Unfortunately, my family aren't here and tomorrow I go to Ibiza because my brother is getting married! It'll be a nice celebration there, but I can't wait to go home to see two boys and my wife. Tonight we'll be having a team dinner and I'm sure we'll have a few drinks to celebrate!

Shaina:

You mentioned the beginning of the season was difficult. How did you manage to get back on top again?

Jonathan Rea:

Just kept working. I always believed that we would have an opportunity to win at some point. It was difficult to see when because Alvaro and Ducati were so strong in the beginning. But I won at Imola and then in the middle of the season we were able to win some more races, being very strong at Donington, Laguna and Portimao. That was what made the difference. We were able to carry the form right through the season.

Shaina:

Do you have any words or advice for others that are maybe going through a hard time?

Jonathan Rea:

Yeah, I hope that this season can motivate people. Because I think it's maybe the biggest turnaround in motorsport history. One guy had come from another championship with a new bike and won 11 eleven races in a row! And not just winning, but winning by huge margins. But we never gave up and if hopefully my story can motivate people that tomorrow is a new day and try again, then that'd be nice.

Shaina:

Which have been the best circuits for you this year?

Jonathan Rea:

I always enjoy the trip to Laguna because the circuit is quite unique and it's a cool place, a nice area to go. Now I'm looking forward to Qatar because the circuit is really nice and flowing but the vibe there is cool because it's a night race, we all stay in nice hotels and it's like a holiday race! Now it can be a real holiday because the championship is done. So we can enjoy the last races without any pressure.

Shaina:

What do you want to improve on your bike for next season?

Jonathan Rea:

We really need to improve the top speed. It's really been tough this year, especially compared to the Ducati. We'll just keep working as a team in the same way, same method, and the goal next year has to be to try to win again but let's see. I'll try and enjoy the moment for now and think about next year when we start winter testing.

Shaina:

Thanks very much for your time.

Jonathan Rea:

Thank you.