Honda HRC is proud to announce a new collaboration with six-time SBK world champion and former Honda rider, Jonathan Rea, who will join forces with the Japanese manufacturer as HRC test rider in 2026.
The 38-year-old rider needs no introduction. The most successful WorldSBK rider of all time, with six world titles, 119 race wins and 264 podiums to his name, Rea is unmatched in his achievements and records on the production-derived stage.
From 2015 to 2020 Rea literally dominated in WorldSBK, securing the championship title in six consecutive seasons, a feat that is unlikely to be repeated any time soon.
Significantly, the Northern Irish rider spent his formative years on Honda machinery. In the early days of his professional career, Rea spent three productive years with Honda teams in the British Superbike championship, rounding out the 2007 season as runner-up. The following year he moved to WorldSSP with Ten Kate Honda and again closed the year in second place overall. This result saw him move up to WorldSBK for the 2009 season, again with Honda, his collaboration with the Japanese manufacturer continuing until the end of 2014. During that time, he amassed 42 podiums, 15 of which were race wins. These achievements put him third on the all-time list of most successful Honda WorldSBK riders.
After deciding to retire from professional racing at the end of 2025, Jonathan Rea is seeking a fresh challenge – one that he has now found with what marks a historic return to Honda. Rea is eager to bring his unparalleled experience and knowledge to the Honda HRC Superbike project, while the factory not only recognises the immense value of a rider of Jonathan’s calibre but also demonstrates its firm commitment to strengthening its presence in the category.
Both parties are excited about what this collaboration means and the results it can bring in 2026 and beyond.
Jonathan Rea – Rider
“From the moment HRC shared their plans and the new role they envision for me, I was immediately excited to understand how I could contribute. It feels like a real full-circle moment to return to Honda, the manufacturer with which I gained my initial WorldSBK experience and my very first race win in the category. Although my role will be quite different from what I’ve been used to as a full-time racer, I’m highly motivated to embrace this new chapter. My aim is to bring all the experience and knowledge I’ve gained throughout my career and use it to support the development of the CBR1000RR-R and the Honda HRC factory team in the best possible way. I’m also very happy to be working again with Chris Pike, the Honda HRC test team project manager and my former crew chief, with whom I share great memories and mutual respect. Working together as a team, I’m confident we can build something truly positive for the future. I can’t wait to get started.”
Yuji Mori – Honda HRC Team Manager
“We are very pleased to welcome Jonathan back to our WorldSBK project and to the Honda family. Having the most successful rider in WorldSBK history join us in a role as important as HRC test rider is truly significant for all of us and, we believe, for the series itself. Jonathan began his international career with Honda, and to see him return now with such a wealth of knowledge and experience makes this collaboration especially valuable and underlines our full and continued commitment to the Superbike project. His contribution will play an important part as we keep developing our programme and work towards bringing Honda back to the level we are aiming for in the championship.”
