End of an era: Jonathan Rea retires from superbike racing after historic run

Jonathan Rea

In a poignant announcement that marks the end of an era in motorcycle racing, six-time FIM Superbike World Champion, County Antrim’s Jonathan Rea has confirmed he will retire from full-time competition at the conclusion of the 2025 season, when his contract with Yamaha Motor Europe expires.

The Northern Irish rider, whose career has been synonymous with dominance and resilience in the WorldSBK paddock, made his debut in the Superbike class as a wildcard entrant in 2008. Over the ensuing 17 years, Rea has contested an extraordinary 459 races, cementing his status as one of the sport’s all-time greats.

Rea’s record is unparalleled: 119 victories, 264 podium finishes, 44 pole positions, and 104 fastest laps. His crowning achievement came in the form of six consecutive world titles between 2015 and 2019, making him the most successful rider in WorldSBK history—a benchmark that appears destined to endure for years to come.

Seeking fresh horizons after a long and triumphant stint elsewhere, Rea embarked on a new chapter by joining Yamaha Motor Europe’s WorldSBK programme at the start of the 2024 season. This move heralded an exciting partnership for both the rider and the manufacturer, blending Rea’s proven prowess with Yamaha’s engineering ambition.

However, the collaboration has not been without its trials. Rea’s time in Yamaha blue has been marked by injuries and setbacks, resulting in a demanding two-year period. Despite these obstacles, Rea, his team, and Yamaha demonstrated remarkable perseverance and dedication.

A notable example was Rea’s determined recovery from a serious foot injury incurred during a crash in Australia earlier this year.

Amid the challenges, there were moments of brilliance that underscored the potential of the union. Highlights included a wet-weather pole position at the TT Circuit Assen in 2024 and a third-place podium in the Superpole race at Donington Park that same year.

With his decision now public, Rea can focus on savouring the remaining four rounds of the 2025 season before drawing the curtain on a career that has inspired countless fans and competitors alike.

Paul Denning, Team Principal of Pata Maxus Yamaha, paid tribute to Rea in a heartfelt statement, reflecting on the rider’s impact both on and off the track.

“There is very little that I, or anybody inside the Pata Maxus Yamaha WorldSBK project, can add to the many tributes already paid to Jonathan following his announcement that 2025 will be his final season as a WorldSBK rider and full-time racer. His legacy is unmatched and is likely to remain that way forever - “JR” is truly an icon of the sport.

“I would prefer to reflect on Jonathan’s tenure with our team and Yamaha, the values he has brought to us and the unwavering commitment he has shown. We had signed a legend to the team – the first few laps at Jerez at the end of 2023 were truly pinch yourself moments- but we also recognised the challenges of adapting to the R1 and to a new racing family after nine successful years with Guim’s team.

“We had only known JR as a competitor - one that was either beating us or making our lives really difficult - so we also needed to build a supportive relationship in which he could trust.

“Unfortunately, these two seasons have been compromised by challenges and the results have not met Jonathan’s or Yamaha’s targets -and we have had a reasonable helping of simple “bad luck” thrown in as well. The winter tests in 24/25 were very positive, but we didn’t get past the end of the first test session in Australia before a fairly innocuous crash ended with JR’s machine landing on his foot, causing significant injuries.

“Victories and World Championships will be the enduring legacy, but the person and the dedicated professional that we have discovered in Jonathan is what will remain with us.

“Despite all the challenges, he has remained fully committed, always fully prepared, and deeply respectful of the investment made by Yamaha to secure him and the individual efforts made by every single person within the project and the team.

“His commitment to recovery from the Phillip Island injuries was 100% - absolutely nothing left on the table, full investment in getting back to the team as soon as humanly possible in the same way he would have done if a World Title was on the line, where in reality the season was already “done”.

“Jonathan is honest at all times, respects and supports his crew as a family, and gives 100% always - he should be proud that he has remained completely true to his values, and has set a great example for his own boys throughout challenging, as well as winning, moments. We have taken the journey together from being competitors to being trusted compatriots and friends, and personally this means a lot.

“I believe that the retirement decision has been weighing heavily on JR’s shoulders in the last couple of months, and that we can expect a more relaxed, happy rider over these last four rounds of 2025 in WorldSBK. Nothing would give us all more pleasure than seeing Jonathan fighting for the podium and finishing this iconic story with a smile.

“Good on you JR -and thank you for everything you have brought to the team during these two seasons together.”

As Rea prepares to bid farewell to full-time racing, the WorldSBK community will undoubtedly celebrate his contributions. From his early wildcard appearances to his record-breaking title streak, Rea’s journey has been a masterclass in determination and skill.

Fans can look forward to witnessing his final performances, where the focus will be on enjoyment rather than pressure, potentially yielding some memorable swansong moments on the track.

This retirement not only closes a chapter for Rea but also prompts reflection on the evolution of Superbike racing, where his records continue to set the standard for aspiring riders.