Performance development will be the key focus for reigning champion Jonathan Rea at this week’s FIM Motul Superbike World Championsip (WorldSBK) test in Jerez, Spain.

The Kawasaki Racing Team ace is looking to pick up where he left off during post-season testing in 2018, where he was able to sample a number of components on his ZX-10RR.

Two days in Spain will allow the number one to compile the parts tested late last year, as he builds the base for his attempt at an incredible fifth-consecutive WorldSBK crown.

“I am excited to see my team and all the guys,” said Rea. “I had a training camp last week in Barcelona and I saw quite a few of them but this will be the first time we will get together as a group. Hopefully we can pick up where we left off at the last test.

“It has been a long, long winter but I arrive feeling refreshed and recharged after a lot of time at home. We expect some new material in preparation to build our base package at the start of the year.

“The tests at the end of last year were all about trying out different items and now we can put them all together and begin performance testing. I am excited because we were fast in Jerez in November, so I hope we can have some good weather this time.”

The Jerez test marks the first of three pre-season outings, as the WorldSBK contingent heads to Portimao on the 27-28 January, before one final test at Phillip Island on 18-19 February, one week prior to the season-opener.