Press Release | June 18, 2020
Jonathan Rea will continue his record-breaking partnership with Kawasaki and KRT after signing a new multi-year contract.
The following is a press release from WorldSBK…
The most successful rider in World Superbike history will continue to sign his name in history and write more records for years to come with a new deal penned with KRT
Five-time WorldSBK Champion Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) has renewed his contract with KRT on a multiple season deal that will see him in prime position to continue breaking records and making history. The 33-year-old Ulsterman has been with Kawasaki since 2015 and has gone from strength to strength each year and despite just three races so far in 2020, he’s already a race winner and the KRT collaboration shows no signs of fading away.
Coming to WorldSBK as a wildcard in 2008 for Ten Kate Honda, before taking his first victory at Misano in 2009. He’d take a further 14 wins for Honda before switching to green and Kawasaki, of which he became an instant winner in his first race. He’s achieved some 74 wins for KRT, making him the most successful rider not just for a single manufacturer but also in WorldSBK history, becoming the first rider to achieve five titles in 2019 whilst also equaling the all-time win tally in one season with 17 – something he previously achieved in 2018. The new contract renewal will continue to see Rea as the benchmark for the coming seasons, adding action and drama all the while.
Speaking about the deal, the five-time WorldSBK Champion stated his joy: “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.”
During his time at KRT, Rea has enjoyed close racing and rivalries with various teammates, ranging from Tom Sykes to Leon Haslam and currently, Alex Lowes – the latter of which has signed for KRT until the end of the 2021 season. With a Race 2 finish at Phillip Island ending in a 1-2 for the team and now the rider line-up for 2021 confirmed, the Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK can now build on their momentum and focus entirely on track action, with off-track discussion already concluded.
Continuing, Rea said: “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.”
Team manager Guim Roda expressed his happiness at the most successful rider in WorldSBK history remaining with his team for more years to come: “Everyone in the team is delighted that Jonathan will be with us again. In racing, we cannot assume anything until it is completed, so we are very happy that Jonny has confirmed his future with Kawasaki and us.
“Everyone involved understands that this is a long-term project and that continuity and success go hand-in-hand. As a rider, Jonathan has incredible talents that are very rare. For sure, to keep him as part of KRT gives us a chance to create yet more WorldSBK and racing history. His pit crew and everyone at KRT are delighted to continue this hugely rewarding professional and personal journey together.”
