Image: Russell Colvin.

Kawasaki Racing Team has agreed to a multi-year contract extension with five-time Superbike world champion Jonathan Rea.

The length of 33-year-old Rea’s deal wasn’t confirmed in an announcement made by Kawasaki, which will see him remain aboard the Ninja ZX-10RR.

“I am super-happy to sign a new contract with Kawasaki and KRT,” Rea said. “What we have achieved together is incredible. Our success is driven by a great team and of course the base of the project, our Ninja ZX-10RR.

“I will keep working hard, together with my crew, the engineers at KHI to be in the best condition every single race. This period away from racing has reignited a burning desire to keep winning and continue to improve my skills and the package of our bike.

“Racing never stands still and all the riders and manufactures are continuing to improve – we must do the same. Now we can fully focus on our 2020 WorldSBK season where racing will restart soon. I want to thank Kawasaki, the team and all my sponsors for their continued support and this great opportunity.”

Rea has won every Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) consecutively since joining KRT in 2015, becoming the most successful WorldSBK racer in history. With one race win under his belt already this season at Phillip Island, Rea’s competitive nature is as strong as ever as he goes for title number six.

“Everyone in the team is delighted that Jonathan will be with us again,” KRT team manager Guim Roda said. “In racing we cannot assume anything until it is completed, so we are very happy that JR65 has confirmed his future with Kawasaki and us.

“Everyone involved understands that this is a long-term project and that continuity and success go hand in hand. As a rider Jonathan has incredible talents that are very rare.

“For sure, to keep him as part of KRT gives us a chance to create yet more WorldSBK and racing history. His pit crew and everyone at KRT are delighted to continue this hugely rewarding professional and personal journey together.”

Current championship leader Alex Lowes had already re-signed with Kawasaki late last month, the factory team maintaining its rider line-up for at least the 2021 season.