Six-time FIM Superbike World Champion Jonathan Rea has announced that he will retire from full-time competition when his agreement with Yamaha Motor Europe comes to an end at the close of the 2025 season.
Rea’s history speaks for itself; since making his debut in the Superbike class as a wildcard in 2008, the Northern Irishman has lined up for an astonishing 459 races over his 17 years racing at the highest level. 119 victories, 264 podium places, 44 pole positions, 104 fastest laps and six world titles, achieved consecutively between 2015 and 2019, make Rea the most successful rider in WorldSBK history – a record which looks set to stand for some time.
In search of a new challenge, Rea joined Yamaha Motor Europe’s WorldSBK programme at the start of the 2024 season, marking an exciting new era for both rider and manufacturer. However, despite flashes of Rea’s brilliance, the Northern Irishman’s tenure in blue has been hampered by injury and misfortune making for a challenging two years. Despite the setbacks, Rea, the team and Yamaha persevered, with unwavering dedication and commitment throughout the project, as evidenced by a determined comeback from the significant foot injury sustained in Australia earlier this year.
Highlights of the partnership included a wet pole position at the TT Circuit Assen in 2024, and a third-placed podium finish in the Superpole race at Donington Park the same year.
Having decided on his future, Rea will now look to enjoy the final four rounds of 2025 before he closes the curtain on his illustrious and celebrated WorldSBK career.
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Jonathan Rea, Pata Maxus Yamaha
“After an unforgettable journey in WorldSBK, I’ve made the decision to step away from full time racing at the end of this season. It’s been an incredible ride, full of highs, challenges, and memories that will stay with me forever. I want to thank Yamaha for the opportunity to write this final chapter with them, and for their support throughout the past two seasons. Most of all, I’m grateful to the fans, my family, and everyone who’s stood by me throughout my career. Racing has given me so much, and while it’s time to close this chapter in WorldSBK, my passion for the sport will never fade.”
Andrea Dosoli, Division Manager, Motorsport Division, Yamaha Motor Europe
“Jonathan is an extremely talented rider who has done remarkable things in his 17 years racing at the highest level of production racing. He should be very proud to look back having achieved what he has during his career, as it is unlikely any rider will come close to such statistics for a long time. For many years, Jonathan was a fierce competitor for us, a rival who pushed us hard and made us improve. To fight against a rider of this level for world championships was an honour for us all. For the last two years, Jonathan was no longer our competition, but our rider. There is no escaping that our journey together has not played out how either Jonathan, nor ourselves, had hoped, but despite these tougher times, Jonathan remained committed and dedicated to our project. We will continue to push hard in our final four races together, as nothing would give us greater satisfaction than seeing this champion return to the podium before he calls time on a most wonderful WorldSBK career. We thank Jonathan for all his effort, professionalism and dedication, congratulate him on his achievements and wish him all the best for the future.”
MoreBikes wishes Jonathan Rea all the best for the future!
