Superbike: Jonathan Rea renews with Kawasaki

Official confirmation has arrived from Malaysia of the renewal of the contract that binds Jonathan Rea to Kawasaki, extended for a further two years: a more advantageous collaboration than ever which has already brought a rider's title last year, the first for the Northern Irishman astride the green.

Jonathan Rea, in addition to being the reigning Champion, still leads the standings with a 35 point advantage over the second, after five rounds.

This agreement demonstrates how much the parties believe in each other's capabilities and how determined they are to continue the dominance that began last year.

“I am so happy to extend this partnership with the Kawasaki Racing Team and continue the great relationship I have with all the Kawasaki engineers and fans” – declared Jonathan Rea – “It is clear that our objectives and ways of working are very well matched so it makes perfect sense to extend this for another two seasons. With all the incredible memories we have made so far and are creating, I am 100% sure that we will enjoy working together and developing the Ninja ZX-10R in the future. I would like to thank Kawasaki and all KRT staff for their full support and belief in my potential. With this in mind I am now even more focused than ever on winning the SBK world championship in 2016 to make it back to back victories. ”

“The successes Kawasaki have enjoyed with Jonathan and his relationship with our Kawasaki Racing Team in a relatively short time has been phenomenal to witness” – he said Steve Guttridge, Kawasaki Europe Sporting Director – “Finding the complete chemistry in racing is very difficult. Team, bike and rider all need to be in harmony together and for sure with JR we found that magical blend, so it is logical to continue the great relationship. Jonathan is a runner who understands well the importance of the entire team around him; the complete package. With Johnny wanting to stay for another two years within our team and riding the new Ninja ZX-10R, we have a complete package.”

Rea will take to the track again tomorrow morning for free practice for the Fassi Malaysian Round, where he will aim for the top step of the podium which eluded him in Imola at the hands of Chaz Davies, his main rival for the title.