Six-time World Superbike champion Jonathan Rea has announced that he will retire from full-time motorcycle racing at the end of the 2025 season. The Northern Irishman, who has cemented his place as the most successful rider in the history of the World Superbike Championship, will conclude his career after the final round of this year's championship in Spain this October.

A Career Defined by Excellence

Rea, 38, has had an extraordinary career, winning six consecutive World Superbike titles between 2015 and 2020. Over the course of his 459 championship races, he has secured an impressive 264 podium finishes, including 119 race wins and 105 best race laps. His dominance on the track has made him a legend in the sport.

"I've been thinking of this day for a long time and finally I've decided to step away from full-time racing and retire," Rea said. "This sport has been everything to me. From growing up as a child in Northern Ireland dreaming of racing bikes to standing on the top step of the World Superbike Championship, winning races and world championships."

The Final Rounds

Rea has four rounds remaining in his World Superbike career. He will next compete in France from September 5-7, followed by races at Aragon and Estoril, before his final event at Jerez from October 17-19. These races will be a celebration of his remarkable journey and a chance for fans to witness the end of an era.

A Legacy of Records and Achievements

Rea first burst onto the world superbike stage with Honda in 2008, claiming his first two race wins the following year. He switched to Kawasaki in 2011, a move that resulted in him breaking every record in the championship. His nine-year partnership with Kawasaki yielded over a century of race wins, making it one of the greatest in motorsport history.

In 2017, Rea was awarded the MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours list for his achievements in the sport. He also finished runner-up in the 2017 BBC Sports Personality of the Year behind Sir Mo Farah.

The Next Chapter

After a record-breaking partnership with Kawasaki, Rea surprisingly signed for Yamaha last season. However, his quest for a seventh world title ended in disappointment as he posted just one podium finish with the team. Despite a challenging 2024 season and a serious crash in pre-season testing, Rea remains a highly respected figure in the sport.

"Jonathan is an extremely talented rider who has done remarkable things in his 17 years racing at the highest level of production racing," said Yamaha division manager Andrea Dosoli. "He should be very proud to look back having achieved what he has during his career, as it is unlikely any rider will come close to such statistics for a long time."

A Humble Champion

Off the track, Rea is known for his humility and grounded nature. Throughout his career, he has granted BBC Sport NI unprecedented access into his life, offering fans a unique glimpse into the world of a champion. As he prepares to hang up his competitive leathers, Rea will undoubtedly be remembered as one of Northern Ireland's greatest sporting ambassadors.

The Future

While Rea's retirement marks the end of his full-time racing career, he may still be involved in the sport as a test rider or even in endurance racing. Whatever the future holds, Jonathan Rea's legacy in World Superbike racing is secure, and his contributions to the sport will be celebrated for years to come.