Five-time WorldSBK champion, Jonathan Rea, has signed a new multi-year contract with his current Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK squad. It’s rather unusual for any rider or team to commit for more than two years but if you’re as good as Rea (who took home the championship crown five years straight), your team would probably do the same to continue the fruitful relationship.
According to Rea, “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 Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) to be in the best condition for 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 manufacturers 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,” added Rea.
It’s quite a surprise considering that there have been talks pointing towards the possibility of Jonathan Rea finally making his move from WorldSBK to MotoGP in 2021. Although the race series are worlds apart, many believe that the 33-year-old has what it takes to succeed at one of the highest levels of motorcycle racing.