6-time world champion Jonathan Rea to make his comeback at Portimão
Just seven months after announcing his retirement, Jonathan Rea is set to race for Honda from March 27 to 29 in Portugal. He will be joined on the grid by 27-year-old Thai rookie Somkiat Chantra as he aims for a triumphant return.
The six-time WorldSBK champion will join the Honda HRC factory team at Portimão, stepping in for British rider Jake Dixon, who is continuing to recover from injuries sustained during the Phillip Island test. Dixon’s rehabilitation is progressing well, with no delays reported, says Honda HRC.
The Portimão round marks Rea’s return to racing on Honda machinery in the Superbike World Championship. The 39-year-old living legend raced for Honda at the 2014 season finale in Qatar, finishing fourth in Race 1 and an impressive second in Race 2 under the Losail floodlights.
Rea’s career took a defining turn with his move to the Kawasaki Racing Team aboard the Ninja ZX-10R, where he achieved unprecedented success. Between 2015 and 2020, he secured six consecutive WorldSBK titles, solidifying his legacy as one of motorsport’s all-time greats.
