WSB: Jonathan Rea to miss season opener following Phillip Island test crash

Jonathan Rea has been ruled out of this weekend’s World Superbike Championship season opener at Philip Island following a crash during day one of the pre-season test at the iconic Australian circuit.

The Pata Maxus Yamaha rider crashed at turn two during the second session of the day and suffered multiple fractures to his left foot as a result.

Prior to his crash, Rea was running close to the top 10, posting a best of 1:30.885s and completing 20 laps. Rea will now return to the UK for treatment.

“It wasn’t an easy day on Jonathan’s side and a bitterly disappointing day for him and his crew and for everybody in the Yamaha WorldSBK project,” Pata Maxus Yamaha Team Principal, Paul Denning told WorldSBK.com. “We’ve had such a step over the winter with Jonathan and his confidence and comfort on the R1, and his ability to be consistent and smooth and get the best out of the bike.

“Everything was looking normal today, but Phillip Island has a habit of biting you quite hard sometimes. It’s a fast and very high grip circuit, but such a high grip circuit means when the grid releases… we’ve seen today many quite violent accidents, and Jonathan got unlucky with his left foot getting caught up in the bike and he’s broken some bones in the left foot.

“The next steps aren’t exactly clear, but the basic plan is to get back to the UK as quickly as possible and to have some surgery and start the recovery process.”

It’s a huge blow for Rea who is eager for a return to form this year after a tough maiden campaign onboard the R1 in 2024. The six-time world champion finished 13^th overall last season, recording just one podium whilst also missing five races through injury.

Day one of the Phillip Island Test was topped by Nicolo Bulega, with Andrea Iannone and Toprak Razgatlioglu completing the top three. The latter suffered a huge highside at turn six, but was able to limp away with no broken bones.