The six-time world champion crashed during the Superbike tests last night: after some checks, the Briton has been declared unfit
Bad news for the Pata Maxus Yamaha team on the first day of WorldSBK tests. Jonathan Rea, rider number 65, suffered a fall coming out of the Southern Loop at the end of the first practice session. After medical checks, the exams revealed multiple fractures in his left foot.
As a result, the Briton will be forced to skip tomorrow’s tests and will not participate in the season-opening race, scheduled for this weekend at the same circuit.
Yamaha’s Statement
Yamaha Racing’s official website released the following statement about the WorldSBK rider’s condition: “Jonathan Rea will miss the first round of the 2025 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship after a fall on the first day of testing at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit. Rea fell in the final stages of the first session on Monday, exiting turn 2.
He was taken to the medical center and then to Cowes for further tests, where it was confirmed that he sustained multiple fractures in his left foot. He will not take part in the test and will also miss the upcoming race weekend.”
Recovery Timeline
Paul Denning, Team Principal of the Pata Maxus Yamaha Team, commented on today’s tests and Jonathan Rea’s injury: “It wasn’t an easy day for Jonathan, but it was a disappointing day, as it was for the whole team involved in the Yamaha WorldSBK project. Over the winter, we made a good step with Jonathan in terms of his confidence on the R1 and his ability to be consistent and extract the maximum from the bike.
Today, everything seemed to be going normally, but these things can happen at Phillip Island, a fast circuit with lots of grip… today we saw several heavy crashes, and Jonathan was unlucky as his left foot got caught on the bike and broke some bones. The next steps aren’t exactly clear, but the base plan is to return to the UK as soon as possible for surgery and start the recovery process.”
Will Jonathan Rea recover in time for the Portimão race? Regarding this, Paul Denning stated: “At this moment, it’s hard to say. I’d rather not say. On Wednesday, he’ll see a specialist here in Australia, then return home for a full assessment of the injury. After scheduling the surgery, we’ll see, but Portimão isn’t that far away, and I think it’s going to be a big challenge.”
Photo: Jonathan Rea
