Yamaha’s World Superbike group boss Paul Denning admits Jonathan Rea’s transfer to the squad in 2024 “couldn’t have gone worse” however feels issues are bettering.
The six-time WSBK champion elected to stop Kawasaki – with whom he gained all of his titles with – a 12 months early to interchange BMW-bound Toprak Razgatlioglu at Yamaha.
Rea has endured a tricky 12 months adapting to the R1 package deal, whereas technical points and incidents have added to his woes.
After the Portimao spherical, Rea sits tenth within the standings with only one podium to his credit score thus far at Donington within the dash race.
Denning admits issues haven’t gone to plan given the hype round Rea’s transfer, however feels “we’re getting there” now.
“With JR, there’s been numerous hope, expectation and pleasure {that a} six-time world champion ends his settlement early as a way to come over to Yamaha and there’s no hiding from the truth that it couldn’t have gone worse,” Denning informed WorldSBK.com.
“There’s been some technical issues and accidents and an inventory of points which have restricted his efficiency.
“We really feel that we’re popping out of that now and we’re seeing a rider who’s having fun with using the bike.
“He’s beginning to perceive how you can get the perfect out of the R1 and the group are understanding what he wants.
“The Superpole race podium at Donington Park was a fantastic efficiency however Most was a disappointment after the Superpole crash after which having to return again by from P15.
“Even then although, in Race 2, there have been numerous indicators of dedication to return by and make nice passes on what’s a tough monitor to cross on and to get within the high six.”
Denning notes that Rea’s dedication to get his troubled Yamaha into the factors within the first race at Portimao regardless of technical points reveals “numerous respect” for the bike and the undertaking.
“Sadly, we had an issue in Race 1 at Portimao from one among our strongest positions of the 12 months in a primary race,” he stated.
“However once more, the very fact he didn’t pull in, he saved using and scored a degree, there’s numerous respect that he’s exhibiting to the bike and the group and the efforts everybody’s making.
“That respect is reciprocated massively. I don’t assume we’ve but seen Jonathan in his full factor and that’s a match wanted by way of confidence, technical setting and the power to get essentially the most out of a package deal that’s nonetheless comparatively new to him.
“We’re getting there and looking out ahead to the second half of the 12 months.”
