World Superbikes: Looking Back at Phillip Island, Forward to Thailand

The second round of the World Superbike Championship will take place this weekend in Thailand, and while Jonathan Rea has started the year in terrific form there's plenty of reason for optimism along the pit lane. Thailand will offer a true indication of what to expect this year in WorldSBK, and while it's unlikely we'll see the same number of bikes fighting for the win, it's likely that the scrap at the front will be just as competitive.Rea still the man to beat in WorldSBKRome wasn't built in a day and championships aren't won on the opening weekend of the season but in Australia, Jonathan Rea put down a marker to the field that showed that he won't relinquish his World Superbike title without a fight.Rea claimed a double victory at Phillip Island that was as measured and controlled as expected from the reigning champion. Even so the Northern Irishman had to fight off a spirited challenge to spray the Prosecco from the top step. Chaz Davies and Michael van der Mark forced the Kawasaki rider to dig deep in both races, but even though both successes came down to the last lap there was a constant feeling the Rea was riding with more of a comfort level than his rivals.read more