World SBK: Jonathan Rea clinches third successive double for first time in career

ByEurosport

Updated 16/09/2018 at 15:57 GMT

Reigning champion Jonathan Rea clinched his third consecutive double win as he strengthened his position at the top of the championship standings in Portimao.

Jonathan Rea of Great Britain and KAWASAKI RACING TEAM WorldSBK celebrates the victory at the end of the Superbike race 2 during the WorldSBK Riviera di Rimini - Race on July 8, 2018 in Misano Adriatico, Italy.

Image credit: Getty Images

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The Northern Irishman cut through the field, after the reversed Race 2 grid, to take top spot after an epic battle with pole-sitter Chaz Davies, who he eventually passed permanently on lap 11.

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With the Welshman slipping to second it started a battle with Ducati team-mate Marco Melandri, with both riders slipping up and allowing Pata Yamaha’s Michael van der Mark through.

However, the Italian clung on to his podium position to cap an impressive weekend after second place in Race 1 on Saturday.

The result means Rea is 116 points ahead of Davies and could wrap up the title - his fourth consecutive crown - at Magny Cours in the next round.

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