Yamaha rider Remy Gardner is not surprised that Superbike record world champion Jonathan Rea is struggling with the switch from the Kawasaki to the Yamaha
No podium in the first nine races and currently only 15th in the world championship: Yamaha newcomer Jonathan Rea’s start to the season has been anything but positive. After nine years with Kawasaki, Rea decided to take on a new challenge. The six-time world champion wanted to fight for the world title with Yamaha, but after nine races he is already 100 points adrift of world championship leader Alvaro Bautista (Ducati).
Rea’s difficulties came as a surprise, as the Briton harmonized well with his new bike at the first test in Jerez in November 2023. However, a number of setbacks followed after the turn of the year. Things no longer went smoothly at the tests and Rea came away completely empty-handed at the season opener on Phillip Island (Australia).
Two heavy highsiders at the season opener on Phillip Island dented the record-breaking champion’s confidence. The best result of the current season so far is a fifth place in the sprint race at Assen. What does Yamaha brand colleague Remy Gardner have to say about the problems of starting number 65?
“It’s a surprise because Jonathan has already achieved a lot and is a great rider,” remarks Gardner, who in the same breath points out the hurdles of a brand change: “I don’t think it’s surprising how much time is needed for the changeover. “
Even though the Yamaha R1 is appreciated above all for its good handling, the adaptation is bumpy. “The Yamaha requires a certain riding style in order to be fast,” explains Gardner. “You have to understand that first. I had to learn that first too. I can understand what he’s going through and that it’s not easy to get the maximum out of the package. “
Writing off Rea prematurely would be a mistake, according to fellow Yamaha brand rider Gardner: “He is still a six-time world champion. He should be given time. I’m sure he’ll be fast. “
Rea achieved his first highlight of the season in the Assen Superpole. “You only have to look at qualifying. He really kicked all of our asses,” said Gardner, referring to the former champion’s pole position.
Gardner himself showed in Assen that he has what it takes to be a top WSBK rider. In the final race, the Australian secured his first podium in the Superbike World Championship and left in eighth place. After three events, Gardner has more than twice as many points as Rea in his account