The 18-year-old reflects the development potential of the project by making the step up to the championship's premier class in 2005, after less than one full season in the British Supersport Championship and just one full year in the National 125 Championship.



Although he missed the final six rounds of the 2004 Supersport season following an incident at Knockhill, which left him with a broken femur and fractured left ankle, Rea proved that he is back to full race fitness by going the distance. Three points were his well-deserved reward for 13th and 18th positions respectively in both sun-drenched 30-lap races on Easter Monday.



Last year, Thruxton heralded the Ulster teenager’s highest Supersport finish when he claimed sixth place at the chequered flag. He will be aiming for a similar result this weekend to build on his Superbike experience and develop consistency for the season ahead.



Jonathan Rea: "All that I was aiming for in my debut was to reach the chequered flag, so to have got into the points from the off was fantastic. It does mean that I will have to raise my objectives for Thruxton and the rest of the season though. The most important factor this year is gaining valuable experience to help me improve my riding to be able to dice with the frontrunners in the future."





Laverty’s super start to Supersport


Eugene Laverty's first British Supersport campaign for Red Bull Honda got off to an excellent start at Brands Hatch when the Toomebridge teenager fought off fierce competition to finish in sixth place overall. The 18-year-old has progressed to the Supersport class in his second year with Red Bull Honda, aboard the double championship-winning CBR600RR.



Laverty impressed on his Supersport debut and even fought for a podium place at one point, against more experienced riders. Having set himself the objective of finishing inside the top ten at the season opener, the 2004 British 125GP Championship runner-up has already exceeded expectations.



Laverty has previously proved his capabilities at Thruxton, having secured a pole position and race win at the Hampshire track in last year's 125GP series showdown. While the same result would perhaps be optimistic for this weekend, Laverty may certainly be within reach of a podium finish.



The talented rider's aims for 2005 are to establish himself as a contender in the ultra-competitive Supersport class and develop his four-stroke riding technique. He is already benefiting from tried and tested machinery teamed with Dunlop tyres and the support of Red Bull Honda.



Eugene Laverty: "It was fantastic to have such a high finish in my first race and I hope that it has made of all the hard work worthwhile for the people at Red Bull Honda. My immediate aim is to achieve similar results at every round this season. Thruxton is a circuit that suits my riding style, so I'm confident of a strong performance this weekend."





Jones keen to get back on track


Red Bull Honda's new rookie Chris Jones snatched the opportunity to display his obvious potential at the opening round of the British 125GP Championship at Brands Hatch. The 14-year-old protégé claimed an early lead in the 21-lap race on his debut for the team.



However, the Droitwich teenager's glory was cut short when he parted company with the Red Bull Honda RS125 on lap 18. Jones had become embroiled in a battle for first place after six laps behind the pace car before the incident at Druid’s Bend.



Jones aims to go the distance and complete his first race of the series at Thruxton this weekend, in order to claw back some valuable points towards his title challenge. Although new to the series, the ambitious teenager's objective is to be a real contender for the championship from the outset.



Practice sessions at the high-speed Hampshire circuit will be crucial to Jones preparation for his second race of the season as he aims for his first ever British 125GP Championship podium finish.



Chris Jones: "It was unfortunate that I was unable to finish my first race for the team, but being the new Rookie within the Red Bull Honda team is all about gaining experience and learning from that to progress as a rider. I'm looking forward to getting back on the RS125 at Thruxton and hopefully finishing inside the top three if everything goes according to plan."





Thruxton – vital statistics



Circuit length:
2.356 miles



Superbike lap record:
S. Hislop 1:15.889



2004 BSB race one result:
1. M. Rutter;
2. J. Reynolds;
3. S. Emmett;
13. R. Kiyonari



2004 BSB race two result:
1. S. Emmett;
2. M. Rutter;
3. G. Lavilla;
8. R. Kiyonari



Supersport lap record:
S. Easton 1:17.841



2004 BSS result:
1. K. Harris;
2. L. Camier;
3. M. Laverty;
6. J. Rea



125GP lap record:
P. Robinson 1:21.424



2004 125GP result:
1. E. Laverty;
2. M. Wilcox;
3. C. Elkin;
DNS. S. Neate