P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Jonathan Rea has taken to the dirt to get his first laps in of 2026 after signing as Honda’s WorldSBK test rider.
Jonathan Rea has entered a new phase of his motorcycle racing career by starting his first laps on Honda machinery as the official WorldSBK test rider for 2026. His initial rides were not on the development bike but on a Honda CRF450R for some motocross action, reflecting his roots in dirt racing before transitioning to circuits. Besides his testing duties, Rea is set to compete in local motocross races this year after retiring from full-time professional racing in the past season. Testing in World Superbike is set to resume later this month, with European sessions in Jerez and Portimao in January before Phillip Island hosting the final preseason test in February. Rea’s role as a development rider is crucial given the inexperienced status of Honda’s full-time riders Jake Dixon and Somkiat Chantra, who moved from MotoGP with the influence of Alvaro Bautista. The six-time World Superbike Champion is also expected to make wildcard entries this year, with races at Portimao and Donington among the possibilities.
