World champion Jonathan Rea powers to first victory in Jerez

World champion Jonathan Rea has claimed victory in race one of the Spanish round of the World Superbikes.

Eurosport

Image credit: TNT Sports

The start of the session was delayed on Saturday morning as fog descended at Jerez.

But the gloom didn't lift for Marco Melandri - buoyed after starting on pole - who was leading when the Italian rider was forced to retire with four laps remaining due to a technical issue.

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Rea took advantage of Melandri's misfortune to hold off Chaz Davies and Tom Sykes in claiming victory.

It is Rea's 13th World Superbike win of the season, and the first time he has enjoyed success at the Spanish venue.

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