Three to one

WE SHOULD NOT be surprised by Jonathan Rea’s (KRT) impeccable three race wins at Portimao, especially at what is now his best track in terms of results. He has won 12 races here, and more podiums than anywhere else. Crucially, he also turned Aruba.it Racing Ducati rider Scott Redding’s 24-point advantage into a four-point deficit.

Many were excited by Ducati’s overall performances in Spain and a new and genuine championship challenger in the popular and fast addition of Redding. But in Portugal, in hot but not hideously punishing conditions, Rea and his squad were at their very experienced best come the races.

In qualifying, Rea took his first pole position of the year. He used his race starts to best effect but with three wins and three fastest