Jonathan Rea Returns to Honda: A Legendary Career Comes Full Circle

Introduction: A New Chapter for Motorcycle Racing’s Greatest

Jonathan Rea, the 38-year-old who hung up the leathers as a full-time WorldSBK rider at the end of the 2025 season, boasts one of the greatest careers in motorsport history with 119 races won, 264 podium finishes, and six world championships — all standing as WorldSBK all-time records. His return to Honda as the Japanese manufacturer’s test rider to help develop their CBR 1000-RR-R marks a significant moment in motorcycle racing, bringing unparalleled expertise back to the brand where his international career began.

The Announcement and Its Significance

Honda HRC proudly announced a new collaboration with six-time SBK world champion and former Honda rider, Jonathan Rea, who will join forces with the Japanese manufacturer as HRC test rider in 2026. This appointment represents more than just a role change — it’s a homecoming. Rea’s full-time ascension to WorldSBK happened in 2009, where he rode on Honda machinery through the 2014 season, amassing 15 race wins and 42 podiums.

Rea is eager to bring his unparalleled experience and knowledge to the Honda HRC Superbike project, while the factory recognises the immense value of a rider of Jonathan’s calibre and demonstrates its firm commitment to strengthening its presence in the category. The Northern Irish rider described the move as a “full-circle moment”.

A Challenging Final Season

Following his decision to retire from full-time racing, Rea’s final race weekend in October 2025 at Jerez wasn’t the fairytale ending he had hoped for, with a double crash weekend. His final season was with Yamaha, although a knee injury ruled him out of his last race. The 2025 campaign proved particularly difficult, as a foot injury sustained in a crash during testing in February forced Rea to miss the opening three rounds of the championship.

Looking Forward: Honda’s New Development Programme

Rea and Honda will look to tap into the Ulsterman’s unparallelled experience with the CBR 1000 RR-R as they look to continue to make strides with the bike for their exciting new pair of riders for 2026, Moto2’s Jake Dixon and MotoGP’s Somkiat Chantra. Beyond his testing duties, Rea will also compete in selected Endurance World Championship events.

Conclusion: A Legacy That Continues

Jonathan Rea’s transition from full-time racer to Honda’s HRC test rider ensures his influence on WorldSBK will continue beyond his retirement. From 2015 to 2020 Rea literally dominated in WorldSBK, securing the championship title in six consecutive seasons, a feat that is unlikely to be repeated any time soon. His return to Honda represents not an ending, but rather a new beginning — one where his legendary expertise will shape the future of the sport he dominated for over a decade. For fans and the racing community alike, seeing Rea’s continued involvement offers reassurance that his knowledge and passion will benefit the next generation of WorldSBK competitors.