The number of 2015 FIM Superbike World Championship rounds will reach double digits in the next few days as KRT riders Jonathan Rea and Tom Sykes head to the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia holding first and second places respectively in the overall championship standings.
Last season at Sepang Sykes was second on the grid but had a no score in race one, after a first lap incident caused by another rider. Tom rallied to take third place in race two at a circuit the 2013 World Champion rates as one of the most technical and enjoyable on the calendar.
While riding for Honda Rea took two sixth places at Sepang in 2014 but hopes for much more after a stellar first season in Kawasaki‰Ûªs official WorldSBK squad. In the past 18 races Jonathan has finished in the top three all of them, collecting 11 race wins to date.
‰ÛÏI always enjoy the flyaway rounds." Rea admitted. "When I studied the Sepang races last year I struggled a little bit but it seems that the Ninja ZX-10R was quite a strong package. I expect it to be really hot at Sepang. With the timings of the races and at this time of year there is a possibility of thunderstorms in the afternoon so we have to be ready to react to the weather as well.
"At Laguna, with it not being such a high braking force track, quite twisty and with the temperature not being so high, I was not able to use my preferred front tyre. So I expect in Malaysia, with the temperature increase and the heavy braking zones then my preferred harder front option will be the tyre of choice.
"I hope to be able to get back to my normal riding style and set the bike up accordingly. Whilst we had a good pace at Laguna Seca, I was not entirely comfortable.
"It is important for me to have a strong weekend at Sepang before we start on the long summer break. I really enjoy the Sepang track and the fans in Asia are always incredible, so I think to should be a great weekend.‰Û
