2014 might see the British World Superbike Pata Honda rider Jonathan Rea moving up to the Premiere Class, MCN reports.
Currently 7th in the WSBK standings, Rea already has experience in MotoGP racing aboard Repsol machinery as he substituted for Casey Stoner back in 2012 on two occasions. By far more successful aboard the CBR1000RR in the World Superbike series than his team mate Leon Haslam, Rea's strong support form Honda was recently confirmed at Laguna Seca by HRC top hats.
Namely, HRC is endorsing the Brit for negotiations with a MotoGP team, even if the first year or two, Rea would be riding a production racer. In an interview with MCN, the HRC boss Livio Suppo apparently mentioned that Honda's support for Rea is also a way to express the gratitude for the rider's commitment and loyalty to the factory.
With Paul Bird Motorsport having expressly declared they'd soon be looking for an all English rider duo and Michael Laverty already on the roster, we might see PBM laying off Colombian Yonny Hernandez and bringing in Rea and his production racer RC213V.
And since Aprilia and their ART MotoGP operations are yet unclear as far as the MSMA status for 2014 is concerned, it would only be small surprise to see PBM having a shot at greater glory with a full Honda paddock.
With 3 more months until the 2013 season ends, we're positive news will arrive quite soon.
Namely, HRC is endorsing the Brit for negotiations with a MotoGP team, even if the first year or two, Rea would be riding a production racer. In an interview with MCN, the HRC boss Livio Suppo apparently mentioned that Honda's support for Rea is also a way to express the gratitude for the rider's commitment and loyalty to the factory.
With Paul Bird Motorsport having expressly declared they'd soon be looking for an all English rider duo and Michael Laverty already on the roster, we might see PBM laying off Colombian Yonny Hernandez and bringing in Rea and his production racer RC213V.
And since Aprilia and their ART MotoGP operations are yet unclear as far as the MSMA status for 2014 is concerned, it would only be small surprise to see PBM having a shot at greater glory with a full Honda paddock.
With 3 more months until the 2013 season ends, we're positive news will arrive quite soon.