Honda’s star test rider Jonathan Rea (39) to compete at Donington Park on a wildcard

In November 2025, Jonathan Rea was signed by Honda Racing Corporation as a test rider for the Superbike project. Since then, the Northern Irishman has not only completed various test days on the CBR1000RR-R, but also made race appearances at Portimão and Assen as a replacement for the injured regular rider Jake Dixon. Rea was actually due to receive a wildcard for the round in Portugal.

Most recently, the six-time Superbike World Champion was in action at Donington Park on Tuesday. Officially, this was to support the HRC regular riders, but the 39-year-old was also preparing for his first guest appearance in the 2026 Superbike World Championship – from 10 to 12 July on the 4,023-metre-long circuit in Leicestershire!

During his long career, Rea has secured six wins and 19 podium finishes at Donington Park, meaning his home race is not among his best circuits. The Honda rider has secured more victories at Assen (17), Portimão (13) and at Imola, Magny-Cours and Aragon (9 each).

Ahead of his guest appearance at Donington, Rea will join forces with Takumi Takahashi and Somkiat Chantra in an attempt to win the prestigious eight-hour race at Suzuka (3–5 July) for Honda.