WSBK: Rea stays with Kawasaki until 2020

Reigning triple champion and WSBK series leader in 2018 Jonathan Rea has signed with Kawasaki Racing Team in World Superbikes for a further two seasons, making it possible that we could see a rider achieve 100 WSBK wins by the end of the 2020 season.

Rea’s manager, Chuck Aksland, had been seen at Le Mans for the French GP and some it was widely reported that Jonny Rea has good factory offers on the table. However, with the signing of Joan Mir at Suzuki marking the completion of factory MotoGP seats, Rea has decided to remain with Kawasaki.

At Brno, Rea won race one to take him to 60 wins in the category, whilst tangling with his teammate in race two and crashing out.

Rea said, “I am more than happy to continue in these next two seasons with the Kawasaki Racing Team. Since the end of last season we have already started to talk about continuing our partnership, so it’s nice to finalise everything now, so that we can concentrate on the remaining races of 2018.

“From the moment I arrived at the end of 2014 I was welcomed into the Kawasaki family and since then we have achieved success beyond our wildest dreams. Here is where I want to stay. Of course it feels natural to keep writing this incredible story together, and I want to thank everyone in the Kawasaki Racing Team for believing in me and for this opportunity,” he continued.

“Together we will work harder than ever to keep the ZX-10RR at the front of WorldSBK in the future. I have the best team of people around me to ensure that we can continue fighting for the World Championship.”

Rea’s confirmation at Kawasaki means it ends speculation that he will join the Aruba.IT Ducati outfit, which was also a rumour that came to surface at the Imola World Superbike event. There is also yet to be confirmation that Tom Sykes will be at the Kawasaki team for 2019.