P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Jonathan Rea has been able to complete his first laps as Honda’s WorldSBK test rider.
Jonathan Rea has begun his post-racing career by testing the WorldSBK-spec Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP, a bike he will play a key role in developing.
After leaving Yamaha at the end of the 2025 season, the Northern Irish rider was set to debut the Honda at the Jerez test but had to delay due to a knee injury.
Rea finally got his first laps on the new bike this week at Jerez, ahead of the upcoming World Superbike test.
Despite rain forecasts for the test days, Rea’s timing was not publicly available, and dry weather provided a valuable testing opportunity.
Teammate Jake Dixon, recently recovered from crashes, and potential stand-in Jonathan Rea may face adjustments in the lineup due to Chantra’s injury and recovery timeline uncertainty.
Ultimately, Rea awaits official confirmation but is poised to step in for Honda if needed for the season opener in Australia should Chantra be unavailable.
