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World Superbikes: Neil Hodgson tips Jonathan Rea for success ahead of comeback at Portimao: 'He'll be the fastest of all the Hondas'
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Updated 20/03/2026 at 14:04 GMT
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Jonathan Rea retired from full-time racing at the end of the 2025 World Superbikes season, moving to his former team Honda to become their test rider for 2026. However, an injury to Jake Dixon meant that a gap opened up for Rea to get back into competition. He will ride for Honda next weekend at the Grand Prix in Portimao, and Neil Hodgson expects him to do well.
Jonathan Rea
Image credit: Getty Images
TNT Sports pundit Neil Hodgson is delighted Jonathan Rea will make a swift return to World Superbikes next weekend at Portimao.
The Northern Irish racing legend retired at the end of last season, ending his association with the Yamaha team which began in 2024.
The 39-year-old ended his career as a full-time rider with six World Superbikes world championships to his name, but finished in 16th spot in the 2025 campaign.
Rea did not step away from the spot entirely, though, and moved to Honda as their test rider. It was with Honda that he enjoyed his formative years, though his period of dominance came when he switched to Kawasaki in 2015.
Rea also made a couple of MotoGP appearances for Honda in 2012, scoring in both of those appearances though without landing a podium spot.
In the close season, Honda recruited Jake Dixon from Moto2, but an injury to his left hand and wrist means that he will be out of action for the next few weeks.
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That has given Rea the chance to step into his shoes, at least for the weekend race in Portimao, Portugal, next weekend (beginning Saturday, March 28, live on TNT Sports and discovery+.)
Speaking to TNT Sports, Hodgson said that Rea had never found the right conditions to succeed at Yamaha.
He explained: ”I’m pleased for Jonathan. He never really clicked with Yamaha, at all. He never looked right on it.
”I’m a massive fan of Jonathan’s, and I’ve watched him right the way through his career. I’ve always admired what he’s been able to do."
As test rider for Honda, the veteran has already had a chance to test the current bike setup extensively, and Hodgson noted that he had given a good account of himself in testing at the track which hosts round two of the season.
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”I know at the test at Portimao, his race pace was really good,” he continued. ”How nice it is for him. At the last race of the 2025 season in Jerez, he got injured and was denied a farewell. He couldn’t get the result he was hoping for.
”I hope things go well for him on the Honda. I think it might be tricky though, because the Honda is not the most competitive bike, but I think he’ll be the fastest of all the Hondas.”
The first round of the season took place in Australia, at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit. Nicolo Bulega (Arbua.it Racing-Ducati) won the race from pole position.
Toprak Razgatlioglu won the 2025 world championship, and is now riding for Prima Pramac Yamaha in MotoGP, where he will compete this weekend at Grand Prix Brazil.
Stream every race of the 2026 MotoGP season live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
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