Jonathan Rea released a bombshell today when he announced that he will not be continuing with Kawasaki after his current contract is up. He will make a move to the Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK squad at the end of 2023. The six-time Champion has spent nine seasons at the Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK and won all his titles with Kawasaki. He also has over 100 wins under his belt with the manufacturer. His arrival means Toprak Razgatlioglu will be exiting. Yamaha teammate Andrea Locatelli is contracted with Yamaha through 2025.
Speaking of Rea’s departure, Guim Roda, Team Manager of KRT, said:
“In life as well as racing, priorities define the path to follow. I am very happy and proud that during these nine years Johnny has defined his priorities with KRT and has given us so many successes. I consider myself, our team, Kawasaki and all our fans worldwide, privileged to have been part of this journey. Whichever direction he goes in the future, I hope he can continue to grow as a rider. The task we have now is to finish the 2023 season as best we can with the tools we have been able to forge this year. As always, we will continue to look for improvements and seek advantage wherever possible. KRT is committed to putting on a good show with Johnny during his last four races on the formidable and impressive Ninja ZX-10RR that he has become synonymous with”.
Jonathan Rea reflected on his time at KRT saying:
“I want to thank everyone at KMC and KRT for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to prove myself at the highest level. I have learnt and grown so much as a person and a rider since the first day throwing my leg over the factory Ninja ZX-10R superbike.
Winning six consecutive WorldSBK Championships will always be the most obvious highlight of my time with Kawasaki; but it will also be the amazing memories, the life lessons and the laughs that I will take with me into the future. And, for sure, it’s our mission to complete the 2023 season as strongly and with as much commitment as we have always shown.
Now, looking back on our journey, it fills me with pride at the joy and happiness we have brought Kawasaki fans and Kawasaki owners around the world. This is not a goodbye, because you don’t say goodbye to family, but it is simply the end of this incredible chapter. I wish everyone at KRT the best of luck for the chapters that will surely follow. See you at the track!”