Despite having a valid contract until the end of 2024, Jonathan Rea decided to part ways with Kawasaki after several successful years and six titles in the World Superbike Championship. Next year he will represent Pata Yamaha, thus pursuing new achievements with another manufacturer.
The six-time champion revealed to the newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport when he chose to move to Yamaha: ‘I don’t remember the exact moment. I started talking to the team manager. Then, during the summer break, I made my decision. Already during the weekend in Most, before the summer break, I was determined to change teams. It was special: I won the race, but it was the moment when I thought about changing‘.
According to Rea, the decision was difficult, but it also brought him peace of mind: ‘After this decision I became more relaxed, although it was one of the most difficult decisions I have ever made in my life because I had a very good experience in my previous team‘.
Considering his successful journey with Kawasaki, #65 went through psychologically tough days before deciding: ‘They [Kawasaki] helped make all my dreams come true: six world titles and over 100 victories. So, it was obviously a difficult decision. I spent a few days sad, complicated, trying to think. However, when my decision was made, I felt relaxed and determined to finish the championship in the best way before starting the adventure with Yamaha‘.
