2015 world champion Jonathan Rea is in a relaxed mood before the 2016 World Superbike Championship kicks of at Phillip Island on the 28th of February.
Whilst under no illusion about the tough year ahead in defense of his title the 29-year-old feels re-charged and with the birth of his son is now relaxed and primed to get going.
"Of course I feel the pressure because we made an incredible season last year. I went away after the final round, I had some weeks at home, and then there was the birth of our new baby boy," Rea said at the KRT team-launch at it's Esf̬ric facility in Barcelona.
"That gave me some weeks to relax. I needed to find some more deep, extra, motivation to come back and not aim for top three again but defend my position as world champion. I started my pre-season preparations earlier than in 2014 or 2015 and I am already in good shape.
With a season under his belt with Kawaskai on the ZX-10R and having come to grips with this years version during testing he feels he has the machinary and support to go all the way again.
"We have our hands on a new ZX-10R, which I am really excited about. The best way to approach our season is the same step-by-step way as we did in 2015. I am excited to start the season and we do not have to wait too long. I am excited to start, excited to race and to try and defend my championship with the best support in the world," Rea concluded.
Main Photo: Jonathan Rea with the Number 1 for 2016
