Yamaha boss on signing Rea: “We were fierce competitors, it produces antagonism”

• Pre-2024 Jerez WorldSBK Test results - Tuesday

But today, at Tuesday’s WorldSBK Jerez test, Rea pulled on the blue colours of Yamaha to finally work alongside his new boss.

Denning remembers trying to sign Rea for Suzuki in British Superbikes a long time ago.

“I tried to sign Jonny in 2007 on our Suzuki in BSB and failed as he took a different path then,” Denning said. 

“But it worked out well for him as it got him into the World Championships and here he is now as a six-time World Champion. 

“There’s no complaints on his decision then!”

Even a year ago, it was difficult to imagine Rea leaving Kawasaki, the team that he will remain synonymous with.

“I’m really excited! It’s a very short transition I have to say, from the emotion of Sunday and 24 hours later, taking pictures of Jonathan Rea sat on our bike,” said Denning. 

“It’s kind of surreal, almost too quick a transition – also for him, to be jumping out of green after eight years. 

“However, here we are, they are the logistics, we’re here at the test and I couldn’t be more excited. 

“We had a great day yesterday, like an introduction day, working together in a physical way. 

“I am absolutely intrigued to see what today and what the next day brings as part of the first part of the journey.

“Of course, over recent years, particularly when Toprak joined us but also when Alex Lowes and Michael van der Mark were with us, we were kind of fierce competitors and that tends to produce antagonism and a sort of feeling of not being exactly best friends as you just want to beat each other.

“Especially with the Toprak story of 2021 and beyond. 

“It’s been a real pleasure to get to know the person behind the competitor, his family and the process was stressful but strangely enjoyable. It’s quite a surreal moment.”