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18/02/2008 - Johnny Rae debut

Jonathan Rae has made an instant impact on the World Supersport ranks after his debut at the Phillip Island tests in January.

The 20-year-old Ulsterman makes the switch from British Superbikes and the awesome Honda Fireblade to the CBR600RR in the World Supersport class with the six-time championship winning HANNspree Ten Kate machine.

His Australian debut on the 600RR was an impressive one, with Rea soon getting to grips with the new machine and Pirelli tyres. He was also straight on the pace, making changes to his CBR600RR and doing a number of race simulations. No official times were being announced at the test, but Rea was comfortably in the top five and well up with more experienced 600 class riders.

Johnny said: "The whole Australian test has been a good one for me. Not only have I gelled really well with my new team, but I have already learned the Phillip Island circuit. I am really enjoying life at the minute and I am very happy with what we have achieved today. The team is working really well together and I am learning new things every session. It is hard to gauge where we are at now because all the lap times are hearsay, but I know we have a strong pace. I can’t wait for the season to get started!"

For more on Johnny’s exploits in the coming season, check out www.johnnyrea.com.