Jonathan Rea to come out of World Superbike retirement in Portimao

Six-time World Superbike champion Jonathan Rea is returning from retirement to race for Honda in Portimao on the 28th and 29th March.

Following Jake Dixon's successful surgery to repair multiple left wrist and hand fractures in February, it was confirmed that the Briton would have to sit out of World Superbike's race in Portugal and possibly beyond.

Dixon is pencilled in to return for the Assen race weekend starting on the 17th April, but this is seen as a provisional date as it stands, with no guarantee that the former Moto2 man will make his debut then.

Honda have turned to the iconic Northern Irish racer to fill the void left in the mean time, which will see Rea extend his championship record for race starts, and potentially race wins and podiums provided all goes well.

The 39-year-old stepped away from the sport following the final round of the 2025 season in Jerez, bringing to a close an illustrious 18 year career that saw him lift six world titles with Kawasaki and Yamaha.

Ulster's finest couldn't keep himself away from the sport for long however, agreeing to become a test rider for HRC this term and making him the natural Dixon replacement.

Having already tested for the team in Portugal last weekend, Rea demonstrated that he is past the injury problems he was managing later in his career and is in prime condition to be back on the bike come the 18th March.