Kawasaki's Rea wins Czech World Superbike Race 1

Jonathan Rea showcased his racing prowess in challenging conditions, securing a commanding victory for Kawasaki in Race 1 of the 2023 Czech Republic WorldSBK round, held in damp weather.

Rea's decision to go for intermediate tyres proved to be a game-changer, as he effortlessly outperformed his rivals who struggled with the wet conditions. As the track improved, Rea's 12-second lead grew, and even the late surge by Toprak Razgatlioglu couldn't dampen his triumph.

The victory marked a significant moment for Rea, the six-time world champion, as it was his first win since Phillip Island in 2022. Sharing the podium with him were Razgatlioglu and Danilo Petrucci, who celebrated his second WorldSBK rostrum.

The race presented a real challenge to the riders, with wet conditions prevailing since Friday's moist FP1. During the contest, tyre choice played a crucial role, and Rea's calculated decision to opt for intermediates gave him a decisive advantage.

The action-packed race saw wet runners like Axel Bassani initially taking the lead, but as the track dried up, Rea's prowess on intermediate tyres propelled him to the front. The likes of Alvaro Bautista and Remy Gardner, who went for full wets, eventually had to pit for slicks, losing precious time in the process.

With Rea comfortably leading the way, attention shifted to the performances of Bassani and Bautista, who had opted for slick tyres. However, despite Bassani's efforts to close the gap, Rea's lead remained unassailable.

Razgatlioglu emerged as the strongest contender to Rea in the latter part of the race, putting on a remarkable display of speed. Still, Rea, relying on softer settings, skilfully maintained his lead and clinched victory.

Behind the leading trio, Petrucci showcased a commendable performance for Barni Ducati, securing a well-deserved third place.

Scott Redding from BMW finished fourth, matching his best finish of the season, followed closely by Iker Lecuona (Honda), Andrea Locatelli, Dominique Aegerter, and early leader Bassani.

Unfortunately for Bautista, his hopes for a strong finish were dashed as he crossed the line in 12th place, marking his worst finish since joining Ducati last year and reducing his title lead to 54 points over Razgatlioglu.

Jonathan Rea's victory in the Czech Republic WorldSBK round not only marked Kawasaki's first win of the season but also demonstrated his exceptional talent and adaptability in challenging conditions.

WSBK CZECH REPUBLIC RACE 1 RESULTS:

1 Jonathan Rea GBR Kawasaki Racing 22 laps

2 Toprak Razgatlioglu TUR Pata Yamaha Prometeon +4.007s

3 Danilo Petrucci ITA Barni Spark Racing +7.939s

4 Scott Redding GBR ROKiT BMW Motorrad +14.736s

5 Iker Lecuona ESP HRC +14.903s

6 Andrea Locatelli ITA Pata Yamaha Prometeon +15.69s

7 Axel Bassani ITA Motocorsa Ducati +23.273s

8 Dominique Aegerter SUI GYTR GRT Yamaha +23.777s

9 Alex Lowes GBR Kawasaki Racing +25.653s

10 Loris Baz FRA Bonovo Action BMW +26.455s

11 Remy Gardner AUS GYTR GRT Yamaha +38.338s

12 Alvaro Bautista ESP Aruba.it - Ducati +42.088s

13 Michael Van Der Mark NED ROKiT BMW +1'00.306s

14 Michael Rinaldi ITA Aruba.it - Ducati +1'01.708s

15 Tito Rabat ESP Kawasaki Puccetti +1 Laps

16 Lorenzo Baldassarri ITA GMT94 Yamaha +1 Laps

17 Xavi Vierge ESP HRC +1 Laps

18 Isaac Vinales ESP Pedercini Racing +1 Laps

19 Roberto Tamburini ITA Yamaha Motoxracing +1 Laps

Oliver Konig CZE Orelac Racing MOVISIO DNF

Philipp Oettl GER GoEleven Ducati DNF

Hannes Soomer EST PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda DNF

Eric Granado BRA PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda DNF

Garrett Gerloff USA Bonovo Action BMW DNF