World Superbike king Jonathan Rea is adamant he is “still very much retired” as the six-time champion prepares to return to race action this weekend at Portimao in Portugal.

The Northern Ireland rider is filling in for injury-hit Jake Dixon in the Honda HRC team at the second round of the series, five months after competing in his final race as a Yamaha rider at the championship finale at Jerez in Spain last October.

Rea announced his retirement from full-time racing last year but took on a new role as a test rider for Honda in 2026.

With Dixon sustaining a fractured wrist in a crash at the final test at Phillip Island in Australia in February, forcing the British rider to miss the season opener, Rea has stepped in to fill his seat alongside Thailand’s Somkiat Chantra, who is set to make his Honda debut after also missing the first round through injury.

placeholder image — Honda HRC rider Jonathan Rea will replace the injured Jake Dixon at round two of the World Superbike Championship in Portugal. (Photo courtesy HRC)

Following confirmation that Rea would be back on the World Superbike grid last week, the 39-year-old posted a tongue-in-cheek message picture on Instagram with the words, “That ‘retirement’ lasted long”.

However, speaking ahead of free practice at Portimao, Rea reiterated that his full-time racing days are behind him.

“I can very much assure you that was an Instagram post; I’m very much still retired!” Rea said.

“Unfortunately, it’s a replacement ride for Jake, so first and foremost, we send him all our best wishes. He’ll join us this weekend at the track. I hope he can return as fast as possible.

“When Honda HRC ask you to replace a rider, they’re not really asking you; it was kind of my job to come here. I thought, ‘Why not?’. It’s a good opportunity to get behind the lights again.

“I’m enjoying this new challenge. I actually really enjoyed the bike during the winter. In the limited number of laps we did, I enjoyed it.”

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