Rea wins Suzuka eight-hour race for third time

Six-time World Superbike champion Jonathan Rea has thanked Honda for "reminding me that I'm still fast" after he won the Suzuka Eight Hours endurance race for a third time.

Rea, who retired from full-time competition at the end of 2025, won with Honda team-mate Takumi Takahashi.

In tricky conditions in Japan, Rea and Takahashi managed the race from pole position and the duo held a 20-second advantage before a safety car neutralised the race in the closing stages as daylight faded at Suzuka.

Rea will now race in Superbike World Championship round at Donnington Park between 10-12 July.

"I'm so, so happy with this win. In these conditions you couldn't afford a single mistake, with the changing weather and all the pressure, but the team did an incredible job and the bike was amazing," Rea said after the race.

"My team-mate was fantastic, so consistent, and I just did my job. It was a huge team effort, so thank you very much."

Rea won six consecutive titles from 2015-2020 with Kawasaki to become the most decorated rider in the history of the World Superbike Championship.

The 39-year-old retired last year after an injury-hit two seasons with Yamaha and signed with Honda as a test rider.

He returned to the World Superbike Championship for two rounds, at Portimao and Assen, earlier in 2026 to stand in for the injured Jake Dixon, and Rea admitted the past few years "have been tough mentally".

"This bike has been incredible. I'd almost forgotten what it feels like to overtake people on the straight," he said.

"Thank you for reminding me that I'm still fast. Pole position, fastest lap and the race win. I couldn't ask for more. I'm just so grateful."