Jonathan Rea: Six-time World Superbike champion to retire at end of 2025 season

Rea first burst on to the world superbike stage with Honda in 2008, claiming his first two race wins the following year.

He switched to Kawasaki in 2015, a move which resulted in him breaking every record in the championship.

In 2017, he was recognised for achievements in the sport by being awarded the MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.

He also finished runner-up in the 2017 BBC Sports Personality of the Year behind Sir Mo Farah.

“I’m incredibly proud of what I’ve achieved during my lengthy career: six world championships, more than 100 race wins and so many other accolades along the way,” added Rea.

“These are some records that I never imagined could be possible. But it’s not the records, trophies or race wins, it’s the people and the memories that I’ll take with me forever.”

After a record-breaking nine-year partnership with Kawasaki, which yielded over a century of race wins, Rea surprisingly signed for Yamaha last season.

However, his quest for a seventh world title ended in disappointment as the Ballyclare rider posted just one podium finish with the team.

Rea endured a difficult 2024 on the bike and this year suffered a serious crash in pre-season testing which has hampered his progress.

“Jonathan is an extremely talented rider who has done remarkable things in his 17 years racing at the highest level of production racing,” said Yamaha division manager Andrea Dosoli.

“He should be very proud to look back having achieved what he has during his career, as it is unlikely any rider will come close to such statistics for a long time.”