We arrived at the showdown, the world battle between Jonathan Rea and Toprak Razgatlioglu comes at the decisive moment, the Mandalika track will be the scene of the last round of this season and the Kawasaki rider arrives in Indonesia with a gap of 30 points from his direct rival in the league. The difference between the two title contenders is substantial, however the 2021 season has taught us not to take anything for granted.
It is impossible to talk about favorites on this occasion, as Superbike will be racing in Mandalika for the first time in history. The brand new circuit, which entered the calendar only this year, will host the production derivatives this weekend, in which Rea aims to make up ground. The six-time world champion has nothing to lose, as per his own admission, and will give his all to try and win the seventh seal.
“After a few weeks at home preparing myself, I am thrilled to arrive in Mandalika and compete in this last round of the championship – states Rea – I am curious to see the circuit for the first time, from the images I have seen the first impressions are positive, it is fantastic. It looks like one of those tracks that fits well with our ZX-10RR ”.
Even though he has never ridden on this track, Rea already knows which path to take to start the weekend’s work: “We will work hard on Friday to learn the track and refine the setup. We will arrive with 30 points behind the top, but we will fight to the end. I don’t feel any pressure, I can drive with a free mind and with nothing to lose, the goal is clear. With three races still to be played and points to be awarded, I will give 100% to get the maximum possible ”.
The situation was different for Alex Lowes, forced to fight all season with physical problems. The Briton arrives in Indonesia after a small operation carried out three weeks ago in Barcelona to try to solve the problems with his injured wrist last September in Barcelona. The Kawasaki rider does not have great ambitions for this round, which puts an end to a difficult 2021, but which will be useful to lay the foundations for a solid 2022.
“It’s the last race of 2021 and it’s been a frustrating year for me – reveals Lowes – I’m sure the speed of the ZX-10RR has improved without a doubt, but I haven’t been in 100% fitness all season. We made the decision to operate after Argentina, considering the long stop we had between the two races. Now the goal is to be in better shape and finish the year solidly to build 2022. Mandalika is a brand new circuit and Indonesia is a country where fans have a great passion for two wheels. For these two reasons I’m happy to be there and can’t wait to get started. It would be nice to finish the season on the podium ”.
Alex Lowes, Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
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