Six-time WorldSBK champion Jonathan Rea has announced he will retire from full-time racing at the end of the 2025 season.
The Northern Irishman departs as the most successful rider in the sport’s history, having won six consecutive world championships with Kawasaki from 2015 to 2020.
His career in the Superbike paddock began in 2008 with Ten Kate Honda, before he joined Kawasaki in 2015, and currently rides for Yamaha.
In his 459 championship races to date, the 38-year-old has broken numerous records, including the most championship titles, with 264 podium finishes and 119 victories.
Rea has struggled since moving to Yamaha in 2024, securing only one podium finish, which arrived at Donington Park.
Although he was rumoured to join Barni Spark Racing for the 2026 Ducati Panigale, the deal reportedly fell through.
“I’ve been thinking of this day for a long time, and finally I’ve decided to step away from full-time racing and retire,” Rea announced on his Instagram.
“This sport has been everything to me. From growing up as a child in Northern Ireland dreaming of racing bikes to standing on the top step of the World Superbike Championship, winning races and world championships.
“Throughout my career, I’ve only ever had one goal and that was to win, and that mentality defined who I was. I never raced to make up the numbers, I raced to be the best.
“But the time has come to listen to my body, my mind and most importantly, my instinct.
“If I can’t race to win, then it’s time to step away. I have the same love for the sport I had on day one right now in this present day.
“I’m incredibly proud of what I’ve achieved during my lengthy career. Six World Championships, more than 100 race wins, and so many other accolades along the way. These are some records that I never imaged could be possible.
“It’s not the records, the trophies or the race wins. It’s the people and the memories I take with me forever,” he added.
“I’ve had the honour of working with some incredible teams, sponsors and engineers during my career.
“You’ve all been part of this journey and I’m incredibly grateful that you let me live my dream. To my family, mum and dad, brother and sisters, thank you so much for all your sacrifice during the early days of my career.
“To my wife, Tarsh, and our kids, Jake and Tyler, thank you so much for being my anchor and my rock during all the good and tougher times.
“To all my rivals and competitors during my career, thanks for making my dig deep. I was such a better rider because of you guys.
“To all my fans, thank you for all your incredible support and loyalty; all the support during good times and bad times have really helped me through and given me the career I’ve dreamed of.
“Whilst I’m stepping away from full-time racing, this isn’t goodbye. I’ll always be part of this sport, just in a different way.
“From the bottom of my heart, thank you for everything. It’s been one hell of a ride. I’ll see you in the paddock.”
His legacy remains strong, highlighted by other achievements such as finishing runner-up to Sir Mo Farah in the 2017 BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards and winning Irish Motorcyclist of the Year nine consecutive times.
Discussion about this post