New WorldSBK leader Scott Redding takes momentum to Portimao

Scott Redding heads to the third round of the 2020 WorldSBK Championship in Portugal eager to consolidate his newfound lead in the standings following a race-winning turn at Jerez.

The ex-MotoGP rider brushed off the cobwebs from the five-month hiatus brought on by the coronavirus by claiming two wins and a second place in Spain, lifting him to the head of the standings with a 24-point advantage over Jonathan Rea.

Days later Redding heads further along the Iberian Peninsula for round three at Portimao, a new venue for the Briton to race on but one he has previously tested. 

With the Portuguese circuit, with its long home straight and sweeping turns, expected to suit the Aruba.it Ducati Panigale V4 R, he is confident his relative lack of experience won’t be exposed.

“Portimao is an almost new circuit for me. I only raced here once in my career, then I came back for the tests in January. I must admit, though, I had good feelings. It is a track that I really like, that I find fun and the feeling in the tests was positive. 

“We've come from an exciting and satisfying weekend and I can't wait to get on my Ducati Panigale V4 R on Friday morning.”

Though overshadowed by Redding, Chaz Davies enjoyed a positive return to form in Jerez and is confident he can continue that momentum in Portugal.

"I hope I can confirm the positive trend we had in Jerez de la Frontera. Last year we achieved a good result on this track as I finished second in Race 1. 

“I think we have improved a lot compared to that race and I am sure we have all the credentials to do well. The weather conditions will be different here. We are ready and determined to face this weekend.”