Jonathan Rea’s future in WorldSBK could have a radical change. After many years being the reference pilot at Kawasaki (since 2015), the option to change brands by 2024 is there. Despite being signed until the end of next season with the Japanese brand, that hasn’t stopped the rumors from still circulating, as the british has been tipped as a possible replacement for Toprak Razgatlioglu in the Yamaha team.
The Turkish rider will leave for BMW next season, meaning his seat at Yamaha has become the most in-demand Of the grill. The first idea of the Japanese team was to give the position to a pilot who was a member of their ranks, but seeking to improve results for the following season they are evaluating shaking up the market and looking for a star pilot.
“Of course, I have to go home and be with my wife, my children and also understand my future. I’m sure it’s all ongoing, but right now it’s just rumors.” comments the british in WorldSBK.com. Soon there was a response from the director of Yamaha Motor Europe Road RacingAndrea Dosoli, who did not affirm anything: “We are considering and monitoring all available pilots. It will take a bit of time before we make a decision. We will only comment on this when our rider line-up is defined.”
Rea understands that rumors are always in the air and now that the end of the season is approaching, there are more and more: “At this time of year there are always rumors and stories about the driver market, and I think Toprak is the next to arrive”. However, during the break that is coming after the round of the Czech Republic she will have time to think, now, he will not make any decision: “For my part there is nothing to say about my future. We are entering the summer holidays”.
The podium, goal in Most
After two seasons watching Razgatlioglu and Bautista take the title from him, the Englishman has not managed to raise his head in 2023. He has yet to win a race and never has at Most, but he faces this weekend’s appointment with optimism: “I feel that I have a pending score in Most, because I have never won here. In Donington Park and Ímola I did well, I am comfortable with the bike and I hope to be able to fight for the leading group, but as has been the case in recent races, our objective here will be to get on the podium, reach the summer break in good condition and then think about the final part of the championship.”