‘Fairy tales don't always work out’; Rea open to Kawasaki exit

Jonathan Rea has a WorldSBK contract with Kawasaki until the end of 2023, but that doesn't mean finishing his career with the Japanese manufacturer is guaranteed. 

In fact, the six-time world champion recently suggested that a move away is very much a possibility as 'fairy tales don't always have a happy ending'. 

Like WorldSBK champion Toprak Razgatlioglu, Rea is currently on a multi-year deal that concludes after next season. 

While it's unlikely that Razgatlioglu would leave Yamaha especially since the 25 year-old will have options to either remain in WorldSBK or join MotoGP with the Iwata-based factory, WorldSBK could have an unusual situation where both its top riders are changing manufacturers at the same time. 

Rea, who has spent the last eight seasons with Kawasaki - includes the upcoming 2022 campaign, is looking to win a seventh title in eight years this season. 

"I still have a year with Kawasaki and winning this season is my biggest goal," Rea told the BBC. "Then keep an eye out for another fun opportunity that whets my appetite.

"I'm so motivated to keep riding and I don't think the story is over yet, whether that means staying where I am or going somewhere else.

"The fairytale would be to finish my career at Kawasaki because they have given me so much success but fairytales don't always work out."

Should Rea decide to continue beyond 2023 and not with Kawasaki, then interest should be high given the Northern Irishman is arguably in his prime, despite not taking the title last year. 

Ducati would make the most sense as they could have rides available due to the uncertain futures of Alvaro Bautista and Michael Rinaldi beyond 2022. 

Add to that the Italian manufacturer would likely offer him the best chance at winning besides Yamaha.