Jonathan Rea to retire from WorldSBK at the end of the 2025 season.
Six-time FIM Superbike World Champion Jonathan Rea (Pata Maxus Yamaha) has announced he will retire from full-time racing at the conclusion of the 2025 season, bringing the curtain down on one of the most remarkable careers in motorcycle sport.
The Northern Irishman has been a fixture in the Superbike paddock since his wildcard debut in 2008, amassing an extraordinary 459 starts across 17 years. His statistics are unrivalled: 119 race wins, 264 podiums, 44 poles, 104 fastest laps and six consecutive world titles between 2015 and 2020. It’s a record that cements Rea as the most successful rider in WorldSBK history.
In 2024 Rea joined Yamaha Motor Europe, seeking a fresh challenge after his dominant run with Kawasaki. While his time in blue was hampered by injuries and misfortune, he still showed flashes of his trademark brilliance. Highlights included a wet-weather pole at Assen in 2024 and a Superpole podium at Donington the same year, along with a determined comeback from a serious foot injury sustained in Australia.
Rea, Yamaha and the Pata Prometeon team persevered through the setbacks with determination and professionalism, but the 37-year-old has now chosen to step away from full-time competition.
“After an unforgettable journey in WorldSBK, I’ve made the decision to step away from full time racing at the end of this season,” Rea said. “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.”
Rea will see out the final four rounds of the 2025 championship before calling time on his stellar WorldSBK career.
