Six-time WorldSBK champion Jonathan Rea will not compete in the Assen round as he continues his recovery from the multiple foot fractures he sustained in Phillip Island.
Rea was present at the second round at Portimao to catch up with his team while continuing his recovery, stating in Portugal that he didn’t completely rule out an Assen return.
However, after speaking to his consultants, Rea will miss the third round of the championship to continue his recovery.
Former British Superbike race winner Jason O’Halloran will again fill in for the Northern Irish rider, after finishing 17th and 20th in Race 1 and the Superpole race in Portimao.
“It was nice to watch from the track, I enjoyed that part, but you don’t really have a job to do; you’re a bit of a spare part,” Rea stated on his YouTube channel.
“It was nice to catch up with the crew, see Jason [O’Halloran] a little bit and see how he’s getting on. ‘Loka’ had a good weekend as well. I need to be out there.
“I don’t enjoy bikes that much; I enjoy racing them and being competitive.
“I think you’ll have gathered by now that I won’t be at Assen which is a real shame. Step by step, keep working hard at home and come back stronger.”
Yamaha released the following statement: “Following consultation with his medical team earlier this week, we can now confirm that Jonathan Rea will not compete in Round 3 at the TT Circuit Assen.
“He will again be replaced in the Pata Maxus Yamaha Team by Jason O’Halloran.”
