Honda HRC has confirmed a landmark move for its World Superbike program, announcing that six-time WorldSBK champion Jonathan Rea will reunite with the Japanese manufacturer in 2026 as an official HRC test rider.
The Northern Irishman, who turns 39 next year, needs little introduction. With six consecutive world titles, 119 race victories, and an astonishing 264 podiums, Rea stands as the most successful rider in the history of production-based motorcycle racing. His name is synonymous with dominance — particularly between 2015 and 2020, when he led the field with a level of precision and consistency rarely seen in modern motorsport.
A Full-Circle Journey Back to Honda
For Rea, this new chapter marks more than just a career transition — it’s a homecoming. His professional roots trace directly back to Honda, where his international career first took shape.
He spent his formative racing years with the manufacturer, competing in the British Superbike Championship from 2005 to 2007 and finishing the 2007 season as runner-up. That success opened the door to the World Supersport Championship in 2008 with Ten Kate Honda, where Rea again took second overall, proving his readiness for the world stage.
In 2009, he stepped up to WorldSBK with Honda, beginning a six-season spell that lasted through 2014. During this time, Rea secured 15 victories and 42 podiums, achievements that still rank him third on the all-time list of Honda’s most successful Superbike riders. His raw speed, adaptability, and relentless work ethic made him one of the sport’s standout figures long before his record-breaking Kawasaki years began.
Transitioning from Racer to Developer
After announcing that he would retire from full-time competition at the end of 2025, Rea began looking for a meaningful way to remain involved in the sport. His decision to join Honda HRC’s test program represents both a personal return and a professional evolution — trading the intensity of the starting grid for the equally demanding world of development and testing.
Honda’s Superbike project, built around the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade, has shown flashes of potential but remains in pursuit of consistent front-running form. Rea’s arrival is a major statement of intent. The team hopes that his deep understanding of racecraft, setup dynamics, and competitive development will accelerate their progress.
Both sides have described the move as a partnership rooted in respect and shared ambition. For Honda, the appointment underscores a long-term commitment to revitalizing its Superbike effort. For Rea, it represents a chance to give back to the brand that first launched his international career.
Jonathan Rea on His New Role
“From the moment HRC shared their vision for this new role, I felt a spark,” said Rea. “It feels like life coming full circle — returning to Honda, where I first learned what it meant to compete at world level, and where I took my very first WorldSBK race win.
Although it’s a different role to what I’ve known as a full-time racer, I’m genuinely excited for this new challenge. My focus is to use everything I’ve learned over my career to help the HRC engineers and the factory team get the very best from the CBR1000RR-R.
It’s also special to be reunited with Chris Pike, who was my crew chief during my earlier Honda days and is now the HRC Test Team Project Manager. We’ve shared a lot of great memories together, and I know the level of professionalism and trust he brings. Working as a unit again, I’m confident we can make a real difference for the future of Honda’s Superbike project. I can’t wait to get started.”
Honda Welcomes Rea Home
Yuji Mori, Honda HRC Team Manager, echoed the enthusiasm surrounding the announcement:
“We are delighted to welcome Jonathan back into the Honda family. Having the most successful WorldSBK rider of all time working with us as HRC test rider is an enormous boost — not only for our team but for the championship as a whole.
Jonathan began his international journey with Honda, so to see him return now with all his experience and technical insight is something truly special. His feedback and understanding of what makes a Superbike competitive will be invaluable as we continue to refine the Fireblade and push our performance targets higher.
This partnership reinforces our commitment to the WorldSBK project and our determination to bring Honda back to the top level of competition.”
Looking Ahead
Rea’s new role with HRC will officially begin in early 2026, where he is expected to take part in both European and Japanese development programs. His focus will be on refining chassis performance, electronics, and long-run race data for Honda’s factory riders — a crucial foundation for the team’s future competitiveness.
For fans, it marks the start of a new and fascinating era — one where one of WorldSBK’s greatest ever riders steps off the grid but remains firmly in the paddock, shaping the future of the sport he helped define.
