Rea to travel to Italy 'with intention of riding'

Jonathan Rea is to travel to the fourth round of the World Superbike Championship at Cremona in Italy "with the intention of riding", his Pata Yamaha team has revealed.

The Northern Ireland rider missed the first three rounds of the 2025 series at Phillip Island in Australia, Portimao in Portugal and Assen in the Netherlands after sustaining multiple fractures to his left foot in a crash while testing in February.

Rea subsequently had successful surgery in Belfast and has been continuing his recovery at home.

An update issued by his team indicated that the six-time world champion was to return "after consultation with his medical team in Northern Ireland, travelling to Cremona with the intention of riding pending official review with the FIM Medical Director on Thursday".

The statement added that Rea "had left no stone unturned in his efforts to recover as quickly as possible from the injuries sustained to his left foot at the Phillip Island Official Test in February".

The 38-year-old said he was "super excited" to be on the brink of a return to action.

"It feels like a really long couple of months, but in the last 3-4 weeks I've maximised regaining strength and function of my left foot," he explained.

The injury was a lot more serious than first expected and I just want to thank everybody that was behind me to get back on track, especially the fans and all the messages of encouragement.

He added: "I feel confident and ready – Cremona is a track that I haven't raced at before but I was able to spin a few laps in testing last season. I'm just so happy to be back with my team and riding my Yamaha R1."

Rea is in his second season with his Yamaha team after a disappointing campaign in 2024 which saw him finish 13th overall in the standings and secure a solitary podium finish at the UK round of the championship at Donington.