SBK, Rea: "Razgatlioglu next world champion, almost regret having helped him"

Jonathan Rea is still the favorite for the title in the Superbike race, which should be starting again in Jerez in August.

With only one race behind him, in Phillip Island, the Kawasaki rider found his former teammate among his opponents: Razgatlioglu.

"Toprak grew up in the Kawasaki family when he was younger, and he's now in Yamaha ," said Rea during an interview for the British podcast, Gas It Out. "I have a soft spot for him, because he's always been a great talent, ever since the Superstock. He was very comfortable with his bike. I always helped him during his first year in the Superbike. Now I'm almost sorry I did! It was a really big deal for Yamaha. I feel I can win other world titles, but I think he'll be the next world champion."

Whatever happens this year, Rea does not seem to have many other options, with the market at a standstill, that he remains where he is, if he wishes to continue.

“I haven't had many options, to be honest. In an ideal world, I would love to race in the MotoGP, but there's nothing tangible. I doubt that Kawasaki wants to return to the MotoGP. It would be a dream, but I never talked about it, and I don't think it'll happen."