Double World Superbike champion Rea expects strong challenge from Laverty

Double World Superbike champion Jonathan Rea expects a strong challenge from compatriot Eugene Laverty in next year's championship.

Rea, who secured the title for a second successive season in Qatar at the weekend, warned that the 2017 series promises to be "even more competitive" with the arrival of MotoGP riders Laverty and Marco Melandri.

"We are going to have to step up even more as a rider, team and manufacturer but we are ready for the challenge," said the Northern Irishman.