Jonathan Rea was in World Supersport title contention

Jonathan Rea finished fourth in his first race in the World Superbike Championship in Portimao in Portugal on Sunday, and then took 15th in race two.

The HannSpree Ten Kate Honda rider had qualified in third place and finished behind winner Troy Bayliss, Carlos Checa and Troy Corser in race one.

He led early on the first lap of race two, then dropped to fourth and was fifth when he ran wide off the track.

Rea got back on the circuit and recovered to take a championship point.

Australian Bayliss made it a double by winning race two in his final competitive appearance.

Ballyclare rider Rea will compete in the full World Superbike Championship series next season.

"It's been ok for a first weekend on the Superbike and I managed to get back in the groove ok," said the 21-year-old.

"In the second race, I got forced wide and ended up back in 18th but I was strong enough to get back to 15th and to take fourth in race one was mega.

"I owe a big thanks to both my supersport and superbike teams for making the transition so easy for me - and to hold on to second place in the World Supersport Championship was fantastic.

"I can't wait to start testing in South Africa next month for next season."

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