In his toughest season yet, Jonathan Rea, six-time world champion, considered walking away from racing after a “dark year” on the bike, struggling with crashes and development challenges.
Rea’s Dark Year and Consideration to Walk Away from Racing
Six-time world champion Jonathan Rea admits that after a challenging 2024 season, he considered walking away from racing. Rea, who dominated the World Superbike Championship with six straight titles between 2015 and 2020, had a tough start with Pata Yamaha, finishing 13th in his debut season with the team. Despite a lone podium finish at Donington Park, he openly reflected on the possibility of retiring from the sport.
Rea’s decision was fueled by a series of factors, including early crashes at Phillip Island, which caused a significant loss of confidence. “It was a dark year in many ways,” Rea said, explaining how physical and mental setbacks impacted his performance. However, after moments of brilliance, he is committed to returning stronger in 2025.
Rea’s Comeback Plan for the 2025 World Superbike Season
Looking ahead to the 2025 World Superbike season, Rea is aiming for a fresh start. “It’s a reset now this off-season and a change of mindset going into 2025,” Rea said. His goal is to push for podium finishes and even a race win. Rea believes that with a change in his team dynamic and adjustments to his approach, he can return to his former glory. The upcoming season will kick off at Phillip Island on 22-23 February 2025.
Rea’s optimism is fueled by recent positive test sessions, including a successful test at Jerez, where he felt much more confident with his bike setup. The switch in crew chiefs, replacing Andrew Pitt with Oriol Pallares, is another key factor in his preparations for a more successful season.
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