After announcing his retirement from full-time racing in WorldSBK, Jonathan Rea has reportedly taken on a test role with Honda.
In August, the Northern Irishman announced his decision to retire from full-time competitive racing at the end of the 2025 season, leaving behind a lasting legacy after securing a record six consecutive titles and 119 race wins.
Now that he has retired following the recent season finale in Jerez, Rea has reportedly received multiple test-riding opportunities with multiple manufacturers.
Motorsport.com reports that both BMW and his former employer, Yamaha, were interested in his services, but he decided to reunite with Honda.
Rea famously began his WorldSBK career with Honda and Ten Kate Racing in 2008, remaining with the Dutch privateer team through the 2014 season.
The move marks a full-circle moment as Rea reunites with the Japanese marque, reportedly drawn by Honda’s proposal offering him a chance to race in its Suzuka 8 Hours team.
Therefore, the 38-year-old could make a return to a race he previously won in 2012 and 2019, potentially joining forces with MotoGP rider Johann Zarco and seven-time Suzuka winner Takumi Takahashi, who both claimed victory in the previous two editions.
Rea’s contribution will aim to help Honda compete at the sharp end with its all-new 2026 rider line-up, following the replacement of Iker Lecuona and Xavi Vierge with Jake Dixon and Somkiat Chantra.
The report states that this move by Honda has no connection to the manufacturer’s MotoGP project but suggests that Rea’s career-long experience with Pirelli tyres could be valuable to Honda when they are introduced in the premier class from 2027.
READ MORE – Jonathan Rea reflects on his ‘epic WorldSBK journey’ at farewell press conference
Discussion about this post