Jonathan Rea says 'motivation' was the key factor behind him signing a two-year contract extension with Kawasaki. The Northern Ireland rider's new deal was confirmed on Tuesday.
There had been some speculation that Rea was ready to part company with the team that guided him to six successive World Superbike championship titles. But now the 35-year-old has committed his future to the team.
The news comes just days after Rea's home round at Donington where he closed the gap on championship leader Alvaro Bautista despite reigning champ Toprak Razgatlıoğlu claiming a hat-trick of wins. Rea now trails Bautista by just 17 points.
Read more: Jonathan Rea survives 'big moment' to close gap in World Superbike championship
Rea has taken over 100 WorldSBK race wins on Kawasaki machinery and says he is excited to see what the future holds.
He said: “I am really happy and excited to renew my contract with Kawasaki, to roll on for another two more years. It has been an incredible partnership, we have enjoyed so much success together that it is almost a natural progression.
"There was not much negotiation needed to continue together from both sides. It was more a case of how much more motivation I had to keep racing at the highest level in the WorldSBK championship.
"It has been an incredible few seasons; more competitive than ever. I have realised how motivated I am to continue and to continue fighting to win.
"Kawasaki gave me the opportunity back in 2015 to realise a childhood dream when I won the WorldSBK championship in the first year together. As a partnership we are so solid, and I am looking forward to continue making memories and representing an incredible manufacturer and brand.
"My team is my racing family. I love everyone inside the team like my own family and relationships like that count for a lot in racing.
"Huge credit goes to every single person in the staff, from Provec Racing, all the engineers in Japan, and everyone in the Kawasaki family. I am excited to see what we can do over the next two seasons.”
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