On the eve of his title defence, three-time World Superbike Champion Jonathan Rea and Australian wife Tatia speak about their life in Melbourne and Phillip Island, as well as their thoughts on the last three years as part of the Kawasaki factory team.

Photographed in Melbourne late last week, Jonathan and Tatia spent a day in the Victorian capital exploring its laneways, shopping in their favourite stores, drinking good coffee and celebrating their success as a family living in the fast lane of World Superbike.

Jonathan and Tatia Rea enjoying a coffee in Melbourne

Jonathan and Tatia Rea enjoying a coffee in Melbourne

Just a two-hour drive from the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, Melbourne is one of the couple’s favourite places for a night out.

“I consider Melbourne, for me, a second home. It’s a super cool city to come back to,” said Jonathan. “Honestly, Phillip Island..it’s one of those places where you cross that bridge from San Remo onto the island. You know, I get goose bumps – I just love racing there. We’ve just bought a house there, so it’s my real home race.

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“I joined Kawasaki at the end of 2014. It was incredible. I am really blessed to be given that chance  to join a factory team. For me I try to find a balance of taking things super, super serious and being lax about it. But it’s all worth it in the end. I mean to be world champion, doesn’t come for free. You have to work hard and that’s what it’s all about.”

Jonathan and Tatia Rea - Image by Russell Colvin

Jonathan and Tatia Rea – Image by Russell Colvin

Jonathan launches his bid for a fourth consecutive title tomorrow (Feb 23), when the 22-strong field kicks off the 2018 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship, Yamaha Finance round at Australia’s thrilling Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit.  He’ll face two, 22 lap races on Saturday and Sunday.

Over the past three years with Kawasaki, Jonathan has won five of the six opening races at Phillip Island. The world champ now refers to Phillip Island as his “home” track and plans for more success this weekend in front of local fans who have adopted the Northern Irelander as their own.

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