The WorldSBK legend isn't finished yet. At 38, Jonathan Rea, six-time world champion and all-time record holder in the discipline, is swapping his race suit for that of a Honda HRC test rider. This new adventure marks both a symbolic and strategic return for the man who wrote some of the most glorious chapters in Superbike history.
Even though he officially retired at the end of the 2025 season, Sale will always be present in the paddock. He is joining the manufacturer with whom it all began — Honda, the mark of his debut and his first victory in World SBK — to contribute to the development of the CBR1000RR-R.
SaleThis is an exceptional track record: 119 victories, 264 Podiums and six world titles, figures that make him the most decorated rider in the history of the championship. And it is precisely this experience that Honda intends to use this to prepare for 2026, with Jake dixon et Somkiat Chantra, its new pilots.
« As soon as HRC informed me of their plans and the role they envisioned for me, I was immediately enthusiastic to the idea of understanding how I could contribute to it, " said Sale.
« It’s a It's a real return to my roots to come back to Honda., the manufacturer with whom I took my first steps in WorldSBK and won my very first victory in the category »
Jonathan Rea: “ I am extremely motivated to begin this new chapter »
If he no longer has a record to beat, Sale does not hide his undiminished motivation.
« Even though my role will be quite different from that of a full-time rider, I am extremely motivated to embark on this new chapter. My goal is to leverage all the experience and knowledge I have gained throughout my career to best support the development of the CBR1000RR-R and the official Honda HRC team. »
The Northern Irishman will also find a familiar face in the box:
« I am also delighted to be back Chris Pike, project manager of the Honda HRC test team and my former chief mechanicwith whom I share excellent memories and mutual respect. By working together, I am convinced that we can build something truly positive for the future. I can't wait to start »
For the Japanese manufacturer, the arrival of the six-time world champion is welcomed as a strong signal of the renewal of the Superbike project.
« We are delighted to welcome Jonathan back to our WorldSBK project and the Honda family." he stated Yuji Mori, director of the Honda HRC team.
« Having the most successful rider in WorldSBK history among us, in such an important role as HRC test rider, is a real asset for all of us and, we are convinced, for the championship »
For MoriThis return is much more than a symbolic gesture:
« Jonathan began his international career at HondaHis return today, bolstered by such experience and expertise, makes this collaboration particularly valuable and underscores our total and unwavering commitment to the Superbike project. His contribution will be essential to the development of our program and our goal of bringing Honda back to the level we aim for in the championship.. »
Jonathan Rhea had run on Honda from 2009 to 2014, signing 15 victories and 42 podiums, before setting off to conquer the world with KawasakiToday, the Ulster champion comes full circle, returning to where it all began — no longer to win, but to help others win.
