25-07-2025
- Automotive
- Belfast Telegraph
Jonathan Rea issues update on next move in World Superbikes and says he feels heat ahead of milestone race in Hungary
The Balaton Park circuit is a new venue for World Superbikes and is set to mark a special milestone, hosting the Championship's 1000th race.
Rea, who was 16th in free practice on the Pata Maxus Yamaha on Friday, has been linked with several teams, including a Ducati ride with Barni Racing.
The six-time world champion could be in line to replace Danilo Petrucci in the Italian team, who is being tipped to join the factory BMW squad as a replacement for MotoGP-bound Toprak Razgatlioglu.
Rea is in the final year of his two-year contract with Yamaha and a move to a different manufacturer for 2026 appears to be on the cards for the Ulsterman, who has struggled to challenge at the front on the R1 since making the move from Kawasaki.
Speaking ahead of this weekend's Hungarian round, Rea said it was a case of 'wait and see' regarding his next move.
'Let's wait and see, focus on the weekend, try to do a really good job,' said the 38-year-old.
'I'm sure we'll understand more in the summer break, or later. I have some options, let's say, but it's taking the right one and for me to understand what's best for me.'
Rea missed the first three rounds of the 2025 Championship following a crash during a test at Phillip Island in Australia at the end of February.
He is languishing in 18th position in the standings ahead of Saturday's opening race (1.00pm) and finished 13th in his maiden season as a Yamaha rider in 2024, earning a best result of third in the Superpole race at Donington Park.
The stage is set for the 1000th World Superbike race this weekend and Rea said he was 'proud' to be part of the celebrations.
'I'm super excited and very proud to be part of this huge milestone,' said Rea.
'World Superbike is my life. It's given me an incredible life, and I feel like part of this family,' he said.
'It'll be nice to celebrate that milestone with everyone here.'
Briton Sam Lowes topped the practice times on Friday on the Marc VDS Ducati by 0.215 secs from reigning champion Razgatlioglu.
Italy's Nicolo Bulega ( Ducati), who trails title leader Razgatlioglu by only four points after the Turkish rider moved to the Championship summit with a treble at Donington Park, was eighth, one second off the top spot.
Razgatlioglu, who won the 800th and 900th races in World Superbikes, said he 'felt some pressure' to claim the series' 1000th victory on Sunday.
'I feel some pressure this weekend to win Race 1000,' he said.
'I think it could be a good circuit for me.'
Saturday's Superpole race is at 10.00am followed by Race Two at 1.00pm.
Meanwhile, injured Glenn Irwin is hoping to make his return to the British Superbike Championship in August.
Irwin is targeting the Cadwell Park round from August 23-25 but hopes Thruxton from August 8-10 could be a possibility.
The Carrickfergus man has been out of action following a heavy spill in qualifying at Snetterton in June at Round Three, suffering injuries to his hip socket and pelvis and undergoing surgery.
Former BSB champion Scott Redding was brought into the Hager PBM Ducati team as a replacement at Knockhill in Scotland in July.
It has since been confirmed that Redding will race for the team for the remainder of the season, with the English rider and the MGM Bonovo Racing World Superbike team going their separate ways.
Jordan Bird, joint owner of the PBM Ducati squad, said: 'Glenn's recovery has been going brilliantly; he is showing the strength and the resilience we all knew he had.
'We are really looking forward to getting him back as soon as he is fully fit and ready to be fighting at the front again.'
On Friday, Championship leader Bradley Ray was fastest in free practice by 0.247 secs on the Raceways Yamaha from Rory Skinner (Cheshire Mouldings Ducati) and Kyle Ryde (OMG Nitrous Competitions Yamaha).
Honda Racing's Andrew Irwin was eighth with Scott Swann 14th on the Send My Bag/IWR Honda.
The first BSB race of the weekend is on Saturday at 4.00pm.
