Jonathan Rea put himself further in the history books this weekend, securing his sixth World Superbike crown.

Rea, who has stood on the top step of the podium in 11 races, finished fourth in a thrilling Estoril race, after starting 15th.

The Irishman’s championship-winning Saturday got off to a difficult start, crashing out in qualifying, but the Kawasaki rider did what he does best, digging deep in the first few laps, putting himself in the mix from the off.

The battle picked up after the Kawasaki rider dived passed both team-mate Alex Lowes and PATA Yamaha’s Michael van der Mark, before going toe-to-toe with Garrett Gerloff.

Rea eventually settled for fourth, which following Scott Redding’s earlier DNF, was more than enough to claim a record sixth consecutive title.

Rea’s season didn’t get off to the best of starts, crashing out of race one following an early collision. However, since then, Rea has stood on the podium 17 times, with his worse result being a sixth in Jerez, proving once again, consistency is key.

Speaking to the Kawasaki team after the race, Rea said:

Jonathan Rea – 2020 World Superbike Champion

“I have no feeling right now; I cannot even look back. It has been an incredible journey this season. I want to thank WorldSBK, Dorna, all the circuits and organisers to even get racing this year. In the middle of what everyone has experienced in 2020 sport always comes second – but we managed to race. I miss the fans here, I miss not having my family and friends here, and all my travelling support from back home in Northern Ireland; I really miss that. They cannot be here right now but it is for all of them and my Kawasaki Racing Team, for keeping pushing this season. We started behind like last year but never gave up. It has been a hell of a journey and I am so happy.”

Rea’s sights are now set on securing his 100th World Superbike race win and will have two chances tomorrow, with the Superpole race getting underway at 11:00. Race two of the weekend will commence at 15:15.

Featured Image: KRT