JONATHAN Rea has qualified ninth at the Nurburgring on his return to World Superbike action.

The Castletown resident is competing this weekend for the first time since he broke his arm and wrist in a warm-up crash at Misano in Italy in June.

Rea, who rides for the Castrol Honda team, will compete in the two superbike races at the German circuit tomorrow (Sunday).

Spanish rider Carlos Checa, on board his Althea Ducati, is on pole.