Pata Maxus Yamaha has confirmed Australian rider Jason O’Halloran will step in as Jonathan Rea‘s replacement for the Portimão WorldSBK round.
This decision comes after Rea sustained a severe ankle injury during pre-season testing, leaving him unable to participate in the upcoming race weekend.
Jason O’Halloran, a seasoned competitor with a rich history in British Superbikes (BSB) and Yamaha’s endurance racing programs is primed to take on the challenge of competing at the highest level of production-based motorcycle racing.
Jonathan Rea’s Injury and Recovery
Jonathan Rea, a six-time WorldSBK champion and one of the sport’s most decorated riders, suffered a significant setback during pre-season testing at Phillip Island.
The Northern Irishman fractured his left ankle in multiple places following a crash, requiring surgical intervention and an extended recovery period.
Rea has been candid about his struggles during rehabilitation, sharing updates on social media that reveal the physical and emotional toll of his injury.
Photos of his recovery process, including images of screws inserted into his foot and cryogenic therapy sessions, underscore the severity of his condition.
READ ALSO: Jonathan Rea injury update: Ankle fractures and recovery after Phillip Island crash
Rea’s absence from Portimão WorldSBK marks the second consecutive round he will miss this season. His return remains uncertain, with even the Assen round in mid-April appearing doubtful.
Despite these challenges, Rea has expressed determination to recover fully and return to competitive form as soon as possible. His motivation is fueled by Yamaha’s plans to participate in the prestigious Suzuka 8 Hours endurance race later this year, an event that will require him to be at peak fitness.
Jason O’Halloran: A Proven Talent
Jason O’Halloran’s appointment as Jonathan Rea’s replacement has generated considerable excitement among fans and experts alike.
Known as “The O Show,” O’Halloran boasts an impressive résumé that includes 26 race wins during his five-year stint with Yamaha in the British Superbike Championship (BSB). This achievement makes him Yamaha’s most successful rider in BSB history in terms of race victories.
O’Halloran transitioned from BSB to focus on Yamaha’s Endurance World Championship (EWC) efforts in 2024, joining the Yamalube YART Yamaha EWC Official Team.
As part of his new role, he also serves as Yamaha’s official WorldSBK test rider, a position that has kept him closely connected to the R1 machine he will now race in Portimão WorldSBK.
Although O’Halloran has not competed since the BSB finale at Brands Hatch last October, he remains optimistic about his readiness for WorldSBK competition.
“I’m excited to get the opportunity to ride for the Pata Maxus Yamaha team in Portimão WorldSBK while Jonathan continues to recover,” O’Halloran said. “I’ve always gelled well with the R1, and I’m looking forward to experiencing it in full WorldSBK spec.”
Yamaha Road Racing Sporting Manager Niccolo Canepa added: “We are really happy to welcome Jason O’Halloran to the Pata Maxus Yamaha team in WorldSBK. He is currently our EWC rider and is also our WorldSBK test rider, but he has not had the chance to ride the bike yet!
“The Portimão WorldSBK weekend will be a good opportunity to get a first touch of the bike together with our competitors to understand the bike’s level so he can contribute to our development work as we continue to look to improve.
“Of course we all know Jason’s speed, he is the most victorious rider for Yamaha in BSB and knows the R1 well in BSB spec, which is very similar to WorldSBK spec, and he also knows the Pirelli tyres.“
Serving as Jonathan Rea’s replacement is no small task. The Ulsterman is widely regarded as one of the greatest Superbike racers of all time, holding records for most championship titles (six), race wins (107), podium finishes, and fastest laps in WorldSBK history.
His absence leaves a significant void for Yamaha at a critical juncture in their campaign.
