Motor Sport: Rea hoping for speedy switch to world scene

0 Comments | Sunday Mirror, Jan 29, 2006 | by JIMMY WALKER

ROAD RACING whizz-kid Jonathan Rea reckons you are too old at 20 - and that's why he has his eyes fixed on reaching the world championship scene in 2007.

Rea, 18, who has struck a new lucrative deal with Honda UK, said: "I'm riding in the British championship this year, but next season I aim to take on the best in the business."

Rea, son of former Isle of Man TT and Ulster Grand Prix winner Johnnie Rea, leapt into prominence in the British championship with a pole position at the Irish round in Mondello last year.

Two major injuries held up his progress and he finished 16th in the championship.

He said: "I broke my ankle in May and then I had a major upset when I bruised my lungs and kidney at Snetterton in August.

"I was only racing from memory after that, but at Brands Hatch in the final round I had two 10ths.

"Realistically I would hope to be in the top eight in Britain this year, but if I want to reach the world scene I've got to get a move on.

"All the top riders are in their teens, and as far as I'm concerned by the time you're 20 you could be history."

MICHAEL LAVERTY has been crowned the new Irish Motorcyclist of the Year.

He won the award for the first time at a special ceremony in Belfast after jetting in from Spain.

Laverty (left) was testing the new Honda he'll ride for Paul Bird. Second place in the overall award went to Ryan Farquhar, with Adrian Coates third.

Hector Neill, owner of the TAS Suzuki team, won the Services to Sport award and Ray McCullough, former Irish road-racing legend, was elected to the Hall of Fame.

Ron Haslam, father of current superstar Leon Haslam, won the International Achievement award.