Back to where it all began for WorldSBK titles record holder
Six-time World Superbike Champion Jonathan Rea will rejoin Honda in 2026, taking on a new role as HRC test rider following his retirement from professional racing at the end of next season.
The 38-year-old Northern Irishman—widely regarded as the greatest rider in WorldSBK history – will work closely with Honda’s factory development program, lending his experience to the ongoing evolution of the CBR1000RR-R and the HRC Superbike project.
Rea’s career achievements are staggering: six consecutive world titles (2015–2020), 119 race wins, and 264 podiums – records unlikely to be surpassed any time soon. His connection with Honda, however, runs deep. Before his championship years with Kawasaki and Yamaha, Rea’s early professional success came aboard Honda machinery.
After three seasons in British Superbikes with Honda teams, finishing runner-up in 2007, Rea graduated to the World Supersport Championship with Ten Kate Honda in 2008, again ending the year second overall. That performance earned him a WorldSBK seat in 2009, where he remained with Honda until 2014, collecting 15 wins and 42 podiums – making him the third most successful Honda rider in WorldSBK history.
His return to the brand where his international career began marks a symbolic “full circle” moment. HRC views Rea’s arrival as a major boost to its Superbike ambitions, and raises the tantalising prospect that Rea could feature as a wildcard for HRC at future WorldSBK rounds – though nothing on that front has been confirmed.
Jonathan Rea:
“From the moment HRC shared their plans and the new role they envision for me, I was immediately excited to understand how I could contribute. It feels like a real full-circle moment to return to Honda, the manufacturer with which I gained my initial WorldSBK experience and my very first race win in the category. Although my role will be quite different from what I’ve been used to as a full-time racer, I’m highly motivated to embrace this new chapter. My aim is to bring all the experience and knowledge I’ve gained throughout my career and use it to support the development of the CBR1000RR-R and the Honda HRC factory team in the best possible way. I’m also very happy to be working again with Chris Pike, the Honda HRC test team project manager and my former crew chief, with whom I share great memories and mutual respect. Working together as a team, I’m confident we can build something truly positive for the future. I can’t wait to get started.”
Yuji Mori – Honda HRC Team Manager:
“We are very pleased to welcome Jonathan back to our WorldSBK project and to the Honda family. Having the most successful rider in WorldSBK history join us in a role as important as HRC test rider is truly significant for all of us and, we believe, for the series itself. Jonathan began his international career with Honda, and to see him return now with such a wealth of knowledge and experience makes this collaboration especially valuable and underlines our full and continued commitment to the Superbike project. His contribution will play an important part as we keep developing our programme and work towards bringing Honda back to the level we are aiming for in the championship.”
