WORLD Superbike star Jonathan Rea showed why he will be a favourite to lift the crown this season when he took part in a test session in Portugal.

The Castletown-based rider, who is riding for the Castrol Honda team, was the second quickest rider overall at the Portimao test.

All the quickest times were set on day one of a three day test as bad weather affected the second and third day.

Jonathan, with a best time of 1m 43.676, was only beaten by Effenbet Liberty Ducati rider Jakub Smrz who had a best lap of 1min 43.503.

Former double World Superbike Champion - and Port Soderick resident - James Toseland, who is riding for the BMW Italia squad this season, lapped at 1min 44.764 which earned him 11th place.

The season will start on February 27 at Phillip Island in Australia.