Johnny Rea Gets MotoGP Chance During Test at Sepang

Jonathan Rea will get a chance to swing a leg over a MotoGP bike for the first time later this week, as HRC is conducting a MotoGP test at Sepang. With MotoGP riders forbidden to turn a wheel on a GP bike until the February tests, Rea will get the nod instead as Honda tries to further develop the RC212V race platform. For Rea it’s a big moment, as the Ulsterman was supposed to get a wildcard ride at Donington Park back in 2007, but had to cancel because of his schedule with British Superbike and the Suzuka 8 Hours. Rea was also on Hervé Poncharal’s short-list of replacements for Ben Spies earlier this season, but got passed over when the Monster Yamaha Tech3 team chose Cal Crutchlow instead.

Missing that opportunity, Rea could miss his chance in Malaysia too if the weather doesn’t hold out. Current forecasts show thunderstorms and rain for the area. A good test in Malaysia could make Rea’s future entry into MotoGP a possibility, making this a defining moment in his career. Sending a message via twitter Rea said, “first day of Moto GP test at Sepang tomorrow. Got my riding position sorted today. Lets hope the weather holds up.” We do too Johnny.