Jonathan Rea, not yet signed for the upcoming season, reveals he holds an “option” for the 2026 World Superbike (World SBK) season. The six-time World Superbike Champion has been a key figure in rumors surrounding Ducati’s plans for 2025, as his tenure with Yamaha struggles to produce results matching his impressive record of 119 race wins.
When questioned by WorldSBK.com about social media speculation, Rea reinforced his recent statements about his future, suggesting a potential move to the Ducati team in 2026. Speaking at Balaton Park Circuit, he acknowledged the buzz online, saying, “I’m aware of what’s being said. I’m not naive—I use social media myself, where everyone shares their views. For now, I’m focused on weekend races and delivering strong performances. I expect to gain more clarity during the summer break.”
Asked if he might make a decision during the summer holidays, he responded, “Or possibly later. I have several options, but I need to find what’s truly right for me.”
This weekend marks the eighth round of the 2025 season and the first-ever WorldSBK event at Balaton Park. As a seasoned superbike competitor for over 15 years, Rea expressed enthusiasm for the new venue. “It’s exciting to race at a new circuit, discover its unique features, and experience fresh energy from different fans. That’s great for me and the sport.”
Rea, who missed the Balaton test in late June, noted that they won’t fully gauge the Yamaha YZF-R1’s performance on this track until Friday’s laps. “We have to wait and stay optimistic heading into the weekend.”
He added that Yamaha benefits from MotoGP’s test data at Balaton, offering some insight despite not running production bikes there recently. Starting with his Donington setup from a successful UK round, Rea said, “The MotoGP team’s tests give us some speed ideas. The bike felt great in Donington, so I’m hopeful that setup will work here.”
Rea also reflected on the upcoming Super Pole Race Sunday, which marks the landmark 1,000th race in WorldSBK history. “I’m proud to be part of this milestone. Superbikes have been my life and have given me an incredible journey. I truly feel part of this family and am delighted to celebrate this moment with everyone.”
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Fan Take: This news is huge for racing fans as it signals a possible shakeup in team dynamics, especially with a champion like Rea possibly joining Ducati. Such moves keep the championship fresh and fiercely competitive, ensuring WorldSBK remains thrilling season after season.
