Motorcycling: Rea set for World Superbike return in Italy

Jonathan Rea is set for a return to World Superbike action in Italy this weekend.

The Antrim rider has travelled to Italy with the plan of racing in Cremona, having missed the opening three rounds of the season after breaking his foot in testing earlier this year.

Rea returns after consultation with his medical team at home, travelling to Cremona with the intention of riding, pending official review with the FIM Medical Director on Thursday.

The six-time World Champion has left no stone unturned in his efforts to recover as quickly as possible from the injuries sustained to his left foot during the Phillip Island test in February.

“I’m super excited to be come back in Cremona after the injury sustained in Phillip Island," Rea says.

"It feels like a really long couple of months, but in the last 3-4 weeks I’ve maximised regaining strength and function of my left foot. The injury was a lot more serious than first expected and I just want to thank everybody that was behind me to get back on track, especially the fans and all the messages of encouragement.

"I feel confident and ready – Cremona is a track that I haven’t raced at before but I was able to spin a few laps in testing last season.

"I’m just so happy to be back with my team and riding my Yamaha R1. Since I’ve been away the team has made some great improvements and achieved fantastic results with Locatelli including his first win in Assen, so I’m really motivated to start – to understand what my level is and work from there.

"I can’t wait to see everybody, looking forward to riding again with a smile on my face and trying to have a good weekend in Cremona.”