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Feature<br />
I’m disappointed because even though<br />
it’s been outstanding from Jonathan in<br />
the last few years, there’s a part of me<br />
that feels a little bit hard done. I’d like to<br />
show him what I’m capable of and have<br />
a proper fight on the track.<br />
“I’m quite particular in what I want from<br />
a bike and the engine was more race<br />
orientated in the past. I’d have loved the<br />
opportunity to a race against Jonathan<br />
on that specification. It is what it is<br />
though, and the rules have changed. I’ve<br />
tried to adapt my style to the bike and<br />
whereas my natural style is to be very<br />
heavy on the brakes and entry speed, I<br />
can’t do that at the minute.”<br />
“I’ve been a world champion and been<br />
close again on two more occasions. I can<br />
accept what Jonathan has achieved; the<br />
fact is that we’re riding the same bike<br />
and he’s riding it better than me. His riding<br />
style helps puts him where he needs<br />
to be but he’s executing at 100%. I can<br />
go to bed, put my head on the pillow,<br />
and accept that a very talented rider is<br />
beating me. I can accept being beaten<br />
but I don’t think this has been a true<br />
reflection on my capabilities. That’s what<br />
gives me the motivation to fight again.<br />
I honestly believe in the right environment,<br />
with the right engine and setup,<br />
we’ll be back where we need to be. I<br />
want a bike to give me that feeling again<br />
so I can try and regroup.”<br />
While Sykes will try and regroup, Rea<br />
will attempt to consolidate his position<br />
at the top. With new rivals and new bikes<br />
on the grid next year, he knows that 2019<br />
will begin with a fresh challenge. Ducati<br />
will have their brand new V4, Sykes will<br />
have heavy investment from BMW and<br />
Honda is finally offering support from<br />
Japan with a HRC backed effort.<br />
“There’s always uncertainty coming in<br />
with a new rider - like Alvaro Bautista<br />
at Ducati - and how he will gel with the<br />
bike,” admits Rea. “Ducati has a new<br />
bike but how good is it going to be? Tom<br />
at BMW…and other uncertainties that<br />
throw a curveball. It’s natural to wonder<br />
if one package will be really strong or<br />
which combination of bike and rider will
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