Jonathan Rea: ‘Nice to change colours just to breathe some different air’

Jonathan Rea is the greatest WorldSBK rider of his generation as he won sixth consecutive title with Kawasaki between 2015-2020.

But that didn’t stop the new Yamaha rider from choosing to jump ship after Toprak Razgatlioglu decided to leave for BMW.

• WorldSBK crew chiefs: Who is working with which rider for the 2024 season? 
• New Honda boss says ‘we are working tirelessly to achieve’ podiums in 2024

Razgatlioglu’s move to the German brand was a shock, as he too favoured a new challenge.

But for Rea, an unlikely opportunity to jump onto the second best bike in 2022 and 23, was something he could not turn down.

Kawasaki has remained strong over the last three years, however, it’s become clear that Ducati and Yamaha took a step forward.

Talking to WorldSBK about the upcoming 2024 season, his first with Yamaha, Rea said: “I’m really excited. It’s always nice when you change colours just to breathe some different air. It’s been really cool.

“I’m really grateful to Yamaha for giving me the opportunity and making me feel so welcome. I’m enjoying the bike. 

“I’m really enjoying the engine character of the R1. Working with the crew, a completely new crew for me, aside from my chief mechanic Uri and I knew Davide from a few years back.

“The Yamaha’s a very user-friendly bike, I’m enjoying it and I think it suits my style. It can be ridden in so many ways.

“You see how Toprak rode the bike was super aggressive, then you can see how guys like Remy and Locatelli rode the bike; more wheels in line but still super-fast.”

Rea has been strong throughout pre-season testing at Jerez and Portimao, as have many riders who have stepped onto new machines.

A test early next week at Phillip Island will be followed by the season-opener at the same venue, where Rea will make his official Yamaha debut.