Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team) secured his fifth victory out of five races so far in 2017 at the Pirelli Aragon Round,  following an intense battle with Chaz Davies (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati), who sensationally crashed out with two laps to go.

Struggeling in some areas around the Spanish circuit, the Northern Irishman rode a tactful race in order to stay with Davies, hoping to make a move in the closing laps. As the pair continued to swap positions, Rea’s British rival crashed out of contention which meant Rea could cruise to the victory under sunny skies.

“It’s incredible,” beams Rea. “Honestly I knew that we had a good pace to try and win, but Chaz was so strong in the race in different areas to me. I was sitting quite composed and just being as strong as I could in the areas where I was strong, to try to not minimise as much in the areas where we were suffering a little."

"I knew just to stay there, as Davies was opening up the door in a few areas which was a bit strange. But anyway a mistake happened - first and foremost I haven’t seen Chaz so I hope he’s ok - but that mistake let me get through and win the race.”

Team-mate Tom Sykes suffered with an illness ahead of the opening race of the weekend, however he was still able to put on a strong performance in front of the Spanish fans, as he secured his fourth podium of 2017

Working through rear traction issues for race two, Sykes hopes to be able to put on a more confident performance in the second race of the weekend, which will be a challenge from seventh on the grid with the new reshuffled grid.

Sykes explains: “It was a surprise podium for men; I’m the sweeper, there to pick up the pieces and sometimes that’s what happens in racing but I’m disappointed. I woke up this morning feeling under the weather, and so that’s always disappointing but the biggest problem. In the race I was struggling with performance at some points on turning, and I really struggled with rear traction on this."

"The guys in front were riding solid and we just need to change the balance for tomorrow. We also need to cope with this wind, as it meant we were over the limit. The plan for tomorrow is the rider is stronger and hopefully being stronger and consistent.”