No, I think the sweetest one is always the first one because it is incredible.
“It’s like it gives you validation that you are a good rider and you can do it. So, after that it’s all been a bonus and it’s always been nice.
“Of course, we had some difficult years but some incredible years. This is another one. I don’t know if it will be more important, but certainly it will be the closest one.”
Rea admits the problems he has faced with his bike in 2021 mean more mistakes are a strong possibility in the final two rounds, noting that he’s “100 percent every single lap” now.
“We have some difficulties with our machine, especially in certain areas,” he added.
“We have some really strong points as well but the competition now is really tough, so I’ve been making some mistakes this year because I’ve been riding on the limit every single lap and of course sometimes you cross that, that’s what’s happening but is normal.
“In the past I could always have some margins because my rivals would make more mistakes than me.
“Now there’s no margin, everybody is fast. Ducati with Scott [Redding], Yamaha with Toprak. So, yes, I’m 100 percent every single lap.”
Rea and Razgatlioglu have come to blows on several occasions in 2021, but Rea doesn’t think the heightened nature of the title battle now will lead to there being more contact between the pair – although he concedes both riders have to “race hard” now.