Jonathan Rea to leave Kawasaki in 2023

Six-time World Superbike champion Jonathan Rea is set to part ways with Kawasaki at the end of the 2023 season, with indications pointing towards a move to Yamaha for the 2024 season. Kawasaki announced this decision, releasing Rea from his contract by mutual consent, despite having a formal agreement for the current season and 2024.

During his tenure with Kawasaki, the 36-year-old Northern Irishman achieved an unprecedented level of success, amassing six World Superbike titles and numerous records, including all-time WorldSBK records for Championships, Race Wins, Podiums, Fastest Laps, and Overall Points Scored. Rea originally entered the WorldSBK scene with Honda in 2009 before joining Kawasaki in 2015, where he went on to claim six consecutive championship titles.

Rea's impending departure from Kawasaki aligns with expectations that he will assume the Pata Yamaha ride, which has become available following the departure of fellow former champion Toprak Razgatlioglu, who is making a transition to BMW.

Expressing gratitude for his time with Kawasaki, Rea extended his thanks to the Kawasaki Racing Team (KRT) for their belief in him and the opportunity they provided him to compete at the highest level of World Superbike racing. He also emphasized the personal and professional growth he experienced since joining Kawasaki and the transformative impact it had on his career.

As Rea prepares to bid farewell to Kawasaki and embarks on a new chapter in his World Superbike journey, the motorsport community eagerly anticipates his future endeavors with Yamaha. The move promises to introduce fresh dynamics and heightened competition to the World Superbike championship, as Rea seeks to continue his legacy as one of the most accomplished riders in the history of the series.