Six-time WorldSBK champion Jonathan Rea revealed when he decided it was the right time to call it quits on his career.
The Northern Irishman will retire from competitive racing at the end of the 2025 season, leaving behind a legacy as the most successful rider in WorldSBK history.
Six championships, 119 victories, and 263 podiums later, the 38-year-old explained that the chain of events during preseason at Phillip Island, combined with recent injuries at Most, played a significant part in his decision.
Despite discussions with Barni Spark Racing about riding the new Ducati Panigale V4 R in 2026, no offer was presented to him.
“I had probably made the decision two or three weeks before I announced it, after the last race [in Hungary],” he revealed during an exceptional press conference in Magny-Cours.
“I think I walked out of the paddock in Balaton pretty convinced that it was the right decision.
“It’s been playing in my brain for a long time. It’s been the most difficult decision as an athlete to make that call when it’s all you’ve ever known, but for me, it’s the correct decision at the correct time.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the career I’ve had in WorldSBK, but now it’s time for new challenges, new ideas in life, to find something I’m good at and try to be rewarded in the same way.
“I’ve had an incredible life here. WorldSBK has given me an incredible platform and so much in return, but now I have to try to finish this year well.”
At Magny-Cours, one of his strongest tracks, Rea retired early in Race 1 after being caught in a multi-rider pile-up, but went on to finish seventh in the Superpole and sixth in Race 2.
“For sure, at some point, I’ll be back around the paddock,” he added.
“I have no hatred for the sport, maybe that’ll be handing out trophies to future stars or just hanging around for the weekend, I’m sure I’ll be around.”
READ MORE – Why Barni Spark Racing picked Alvaro Bautista over Jonathan Rea for 2026 WorldSBK season
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