Jonathan Rea Retires from WorldSBK
- therookiereporters
- Aug 30
- 2 min read
The six time WorldSBK rider has officially announced his retirement from the sport. Here is everything you need to know about this breaking news.
Who is Jonathan Rea?
Jonathan Rea is a well-known motorbike rider who was the first to win 6 WorldSBK Championships. These came in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. He has the highest number of race wins in the series with 119 gold medals. In addition, he holds the record for the highest number of fastest laps and podiums (264).
With 44 pole positions after 17 years of racing and competing in 459 races, he is regarded as the most successful rider in WorldSBK history, and on the 25th of August, he revealed that this season would be the end of the road for his racing career.
Why has he retired?
Ultimately, the struggle to fight at the front discouraged him after he left Kawasaki and ended his career with the Pata Maxus Yamaha team. Rea has stated that the past two seasons have been “really tough from a performance standpoint”. In addition, he has faced injuries in the latter stage of his career, one being a broken foot during February, which caused him to miss the first 3 rounds in the 2025 season. He also suffered a crash in the Czech Republic which was a setback to his health.
Jonathan has stated that the decision was driven by instinct and that the crashes and disheartening results had discouraged him. His goal has always been to win but he hasn’t been able to fight for wins over the last couple of years, so it’s no surprise he is saddened.
Jonathan Rea has received a flood of messages from fellow riders. Here are a few you might like to hear:
Chaz Davies: “The best to ever do it. Congratulations for an incredible career Jonathan Rea.”
Toprak Razgatlıoğlu: “First of all, I congratulate you on your incredible career. We had wonderful times together and achieved great success. Even though we were rivals, the important thing was that we maintained the same respect. I’m so lucky to have known you. You helped me so much. I say this all the time, and I’ll never forget. We will miss you. Have fun with your family in your new life. Thank you for everything. LEGEND Jonathan Rea.”
Alvaro Bautista: “A pleasure to share the track, battles and podiums with this legend!! CONGRATS for your career. Enjoy your success and your “new” life Jonathan Rea.”
The champion has revealed it is not a “goodbye” as he will stay in WorldSBK in some capacity next season. Could we see him completing media coverage and giving a great insight on racing situations? We aren’t sure, but right now let’s remember these last few races of this incredible athlete!
Article written by Alice Seager ©️Alice Seager 2025
