Jonathan Rea to Retire from WorldSBK at End of 2025

Six-time WorldSBK Champion Jonathan Rea will retire from full-time racing after the 2025 season, ending a legendary 17-year career.

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Six-time FIM Superbike World Champion Jonathan Rea has confirmed that the 2025 season will be his last as a full-time competitor. The Northern Irish legend will step away when his contract with Yamaha Motor Europe concludes at the end of the year, drawing the curtain on one of the most remarkable careers in WorldSBK history.

A Record That Defines an Era

Since making his WorldSBK debut as a wildcard in 2008, Rea has been the benchmark of consistency and excellence. Across 17 seasons and 459 starts, he has amassed a record that may never be equalled:

• 119 race wins
• 264 podium finishes
• 44 pole positions
• 104 fastest laps
• Six consecutive world titles (2015–2019)

Rea’s dominance from 2015 to 2019 redefined what was possible in the championship, setting new standards for performance, determination, and professionalism.

The Yamaha Chapter

Eager for a fresh challenge, Rea joined Yamaha in 2024, opening a new chapter for both rider and manufacturer. While his time in blue has been marked by flashes of brilliance, including a spectacular wet-weather pole at Assen and a podium finish at Donington Park, injuries and misfortune have often blunted his progress.

Yet through every setback, Rea and Yamaha pressed on with resilience. His gritty comeback from a serious foot injury in Australia earlier this year embodied the spirit that has defined his career: relentless commitment and refusal to give up.

Words from the Champion

Reflecting on his decision, Rea shared an emotional farewell: “After an unforgettable journey in WorldSBK, I’ve made the decision to step away from full-time racing at the end of this season. It’s been an incredible ride, full of highs, challenges, and memories that will stay with me forever. I want to thank Yamaha for the opportunity to write this final chapter with them, and for their support throughout the past two seasons. Most of all, I’m grateful to the fans, my family, and everyone who’s stood by me throughout my career. Racing has given me so much, and while it’s time to close this chapter in WorldSBK, my passion for the sport will never fade.”

Yamaha’s Tribute

Andrea Dosoli, Division Manager of Yamaha Motor Europe’s Motorsport Division, paid tribute to Rea’s impact: “Jonathan is an exceptionally talented rider who has achieved extraordinary things in 17 years at the highest level of production racing. His career statistics will likely remain unmatched for a long time. For many years he was a fierce rival who pushed us to improve, and it was an honour to fight against him for world championships. In the last two years, Jonathan was no longer our competitor, but our rider. While the journey did not unfold exactly as we had hoped, his dedication and professionalism never wavered. As we approach these final races, nothing would please us more than to see him return to the podium before concluding such a remarkable career.”

The Final Push

With four rounds remaining in 2025, Rea is determined to enjoy every moment of his farewell season. Whether he adds more podiums to his glittering record or not, his place among the all-time greats of WorldSBK is already secure.

For fans, rivals, and teammates alike, Jonathan Rea’s retirement marks the end of an extraordinary era — but his influence on the sport will endure for generations.