'When the time comes to go, it will come' - Rea discusses his World Superbike future
01/03/2025 09:06 AM
Are we seeing six-time World Superbike Champion, Jonathan Rea, enter the twilight years of his illustrious career?
After a difficult 2024 World Superbike season rumours and discussion began about Jonathan Rea's future. The 37-year-old has been in the World Superbike Championship since 2009 but has seen a drop in performance in recent seasons.
The Northern Irishman has had several years of success in World Superbikes as he won six titles in the class. But in 2024 he finished his debut year with Yamaha in 13th place and only had one podium finish during the season.
Rea will compete in the 2025 World Superbike season and is contracted with Pata Yamaha for a second season. However, his current deal will expire at the end of the upcoming season, meaning Rea is on the market for 2026.
However, arguably the greatest Superbike rider of all time has stated that he has not 'thought about retiring yet' despite his poor performance in 2024.
"I won't retire as long as I'm competitive and having fun," Rea told SPEEDWEEK.com. "I haven't thought about retiring yet."
"I'm not saying this will be my last contract," said Rea when discussing his Yamaha contract. "But in five years I don't want to be here anymore.
"I've been in this paddock since I was 21. In 2009 I came to the Superbike World Championship. If I'm still here at 40, please tell me to make room for up-and-coming young riders. There are many fast riders coming up.
"When the time comes to go, it will come."
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