Jonathan Rea is set to join Honda's World Superbike Championship team as a test and development rider in 2026 after retiring from active competition, Motorsport.com has learned.
Rea pulled the curtain down on his glittering career in WSBK at Jerez earlier this month, as he bowed out of the series after a record six titles, 119 victories and 264 podium finishes.
Although firm in his decision to retire, the 38-year-old received several offers to continue as a test rider, with Yamaha and BMW among the interested parties. However, according to sources, it is Honda that has ultimately secured the Northern Irishman’s services.
A key attraction in Honda’s proposal is the chance for Rea to join its official Suzuka 8 Hours team, a race of major importance to the brand, which has won the event for the past four years and holds the all-time record for victories.
Rea himself is a two-time Suzuka 8 Hours winner, having triumphed at the Japanese endurance classic with Honda in 2012 and again with Kawasaki in 2019.
Rea's signing with Honda has no connection with the manufacturer’s MotoGP division, though his extensive experience on Pirelli tyres - set to be introduced in MotoGP from 2027 - could prove valuable in developing Honda’s new prototype for the upcoming regulations.
Ducati is already capitalising on similar expertise, having expanded WSBK rider Nicolo Bulega’s role to include MotoGP testing duties.
Rea started his WSBK journey on a privateer Honda in 2008 and stayed with the Japanese brand until 2014, even making two MotoGP race appearances in 2012 in San Marino and Aragon- finishing eighth and seventh respectively while deputising for Casey Stoner.
After signing with Kawasaki in 2015, Rea became a championship-winning force, securing six consecutive titles until 2020 and breaking all major records in the series.
He left the Granollers-based team to join Yamaha in 2024 but was unable to achieve notable results, leading him to announce his decision to retire from WSBK after a career spanning 17 full seasons and 476 races.
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