Six-time WorldSBK champion Jonathan Rea reveals he considered retiring from racing but wants to “right the wrongs” in 2025.
The Northern Irishman switched marques from Kawasaki to Yamaha for 2024 after winning six championships in a row from 2015 to 2020.
Rea’s move saw a dramatic fall down the standings, finishing 13th overall. He posted one podium at Donington Park and went winless across the season for the first time in his career.
“In the last few years I’ve been imagining what retirement would look like, but I struggle to see retirement without being competitive on a motorbike,” Rea told BBC Sport NI.
“Walking away from the sport healthy was an option but it would have been a horrible way to do it.
“I would probably have hung on to a lot of those negative feelings, so I want to right the wrongs. When the feeling on the bike is good you can’t see retirement again. It’s the good moments that remind you that there is a lot more to come.”
He added: “When the feeling’s good you feel like you’re going to ride this wave, you’re going to build the snowball effect. But yes, this year was a dark year in many ways.”
Jonathan Rea pinpoints moment where he had to “rebuild confidence”
The 37-year-old revealed the numerous factors that contributed to his disappointing 2024 campaign, starting with two big crashes at Phillip Island at the start of the campaign.
He stated that it “had a big impact on him physically and mentally” and that led him to feel sceptical for a while.
The Ballymena-born rider showed his true capabilities thanks to a pole position at Assen, as well as starting from the front row at Estoril and in the final race at the British Grand Prix.
His mixed campaign didn’t live up to his own expectations considering Yamaha’s previous showings in recent years.
“I lost a lot of confidence and it took time to rebuild that but there were a few moments of magic where I managed to secure pole positions, compete for podiums, be on the podium and generally my pace at the end of races was as competitive as most,” he said.
“Overall though it was definitely under par for me and not where I expected to be.
“My expectation was much higher after coming to Yamaha after they were so good the previous year, but we just didn’t seem to hit the ground running. Even in the tough moments though I turned up with a positive attitude.”
Rea explained further that his 2024 season was hindered by the team exploring numerous bike development directions, but neither he nor the team could make significant progress on track.
Despite this, he revealed that Yamaha has “got a lot of new things coming in the pipeline” and stated his objectives for the upcoming season.
“As a team we took many different directions with development. Also, at times this season, it felt like the team and the bike weren’t getting the best out of me,” he said.
“I know when we get that my potential is so much higher so that’s what kept me fighting. It frustrated me this year that I didn’t get to show my full potential.
A familiar name returns to Jonathan Rea’s pit crew
“Bit of a reset now this off season and a change of mindset going into 2025. Setting goals that motivate us to go out and work really hard as a team is going to be important,” he explained.
“I’m 100% sure next year will be a step forward on this year. We’ve got a lot of new things coming in the pipeline and my last test in Jerez with my crew was a positive one.
“I was a lot faster than I was in the race weekend there and was feeling good with the bike. Being able to ride 100% on the limit every single corner is what we’re aiming for, to be confident that I can push.
Rea’s inner circle opted to replace crew chief Andrew Pitt with Oriol Pallares, his long-time chief mechanic at Kawasaki.
“Andrew was an amazing guy. He worked relentlessly hard, but I just think a change in dynamic for me is going to help,” said Rea of the switch.
“Yamaha are working incredibly hard behind the scenes too but I think a good target for us next season is to keep fighting for podiums – that’s my target and it would be a huge step forward from last season.
“I’d love to finish the season inside the top five again, plus podiums. A race win would be the icing on the cake.”
