Jonathan Rea makes World Superbike return with Honda in Portimao
Six-time World Superbike champion Jonathan Rea will return to competitive racing with Honda in Portimao this March, just seven months after announcing his retirement.
The 39-year-old steps in to replace the injured Jake Dixon, who is currently recovering from wrist surgery.
He originally walked away from full-time racing at the conclusion of the 2025 season following a stint with Yamaha.
However, the motorsport legend rejoined Honda last November to serve as a test rider for their upcoming 2026 campaign.
A fitting circuit for a comeback
The scheduled Portuguese round holds special significance, as it was the exact venue where the veteran made his championship debut back in 2008.
He returns to the manufacturer that helped launch his career, having previously amassed 15 race victories and 42 podiums for Honda between 2007 and 2014.
Following that initial chapter, the iconic rider cemented his legacy by winning six successive world titles with Kawasaki from 2015 to 2020.
Record-breaking pedigree
The returning test rider brings unmatched experience to the grid, holding the all-time championship records for race starts, victories, and podium finishes.
His staggering career statistics include 470 starts, 119 race wins, and 264 podiums across nearly two decades of elite competition.
Dixon is fully expected to reclaim his factory seat once his rehabilitation is complete, making this a temporary but highly anticipated cameo.
Track action for the Portimao round of the championship is officially scheduled to take place between 28 and 29 March.
