Jonathan Rea, Kawasaki agree to new ‘multi-year’ WorldSBK contract

Jonathan Rea and the Kawasaki Racing Team will continue their long-running and record-breaking partnership together in the WorldSBK Championship after agreeing a new multi-year deal.

Rea joined Kawasaki from Honda in 2015 to embark on a spectacular run of success with the Japanese firm, clinching his first title that year before becoming the first rider in WorldSBK history to take a streak of five crowns.

Though there were mild murmurings of interest elsewhere – including MotoGP – or possible retirement Rea has often made it clear how much he values the input Kawasaki gives and was never expected to move away.

With Guim Roda saying recently they were discussing terms that could emulate Marc Marquez’s long MotoGP deal, the confirmation of a ‘multi-year’ deal suggests it does go beyond the traditional two-year cycle among the factory teams.

Since making his full season WorldSBK debut in 2009, Rea has gone on to smash a number of records on his way to dominating the series, including 89 victories – 74 of which have come with Kawasaki since 2015.

“I am super happy to sign a new contract with Kawasaki and KRT. What we have achieved together is incredible. Our success is driven by a great team and of course the base of the project - our Ninja ZX-10RR. I will keep working hard, together with my crew, the engineers at KHI to be in the best condition every single race.

“This period away from racing has reignited a burning desire to keep winning and continue to improve my skills and the package of our bike. Racing never stands still and all the riders and manufactures are continuing to improve - we must do the same.

“Now we can fully focus on our 2020 WorldSBK season where racing will restart soon. I want to thank Kawasaki, the team and all my sponsors for their continued support and this great opportunity.”

Rea's renewal means Kawasaki has a complete line-up for the 2021 WorldSBK season after Alex Lowes was also retained.