Six-time World Superbike Champion Jonathan Rea has shared his thoughts on the status of the championship and why he believes Toprak Razgatlioglu will never achieve “megastar” status while competing in World Superbikes. According to Rea, the structure of the championship limits the ability of its riders to gain widespread recognition compared to those in MotoGP.
Rea’s Experience and the MotoGP Dream
Throughout his illustrious career, Rea has been a dominant force in World Superbikes, securing six consecutive titles between 2015 and 2020. However, despite his undeniable talent, he never had a full-time opportunity in MotoGP. His only stint in the premier class came in 2012 when he replaced the injured Casey Stoner for two races at Repsol Honda. Despite his solid performances, a permanent seat in MotoGP never materialized.
Reflecting on his career, Rea now hopes that Razgatlioglu, one of World Superbikes’ most exciting talents, gets the MotoGP chance that he was denied. Speaking to Speedweek.com, Rea emphasized the limitations of the Superbike World Championship in turning riders into global superstars.
“Superbike Riders Should Stay Where They Are”
Rea acknowledged Razgatlioglu’s incredible talent and charisma but suggested that World Superbikes, under Dorna’s management, does not provide the same level of exposure or career progression as MotoGP.
“In Toprak, Dorna has a charismatic, incredible talent, but he’s racing in the Superbike World Championship,” Rea stated. “They can’t make a megastar out of him, he should be in the MotoGP paddock. With the same owner, there should be progress.”
Rea also expressed frustration over Dorna’s approach to rider progression, highlighting that in MotoGP, young riders from JuniorGP and the Spanish Championship are given clear pathways to the premier class, whereas World Superbike champions are rarely considered.
MotoGP vs. World Superbikes: The Clear Difference
Rea made no secret of his belief that MotoGP is superior to World Superbikes. While he remains proud of his achievements in the series, he acknowledged the fundamental differences between the two championships.
“The Superbike World Championship cannot compete with MotoGP, it is different,” he admitted. “We have to accept that. I have had experience with both, and it is not an advantage for the Superbike World Championship to have the same owner.”
He also noted the disparity in race venues and fan engagement, explaining that World Superbikes does not visit the same “fantastic” tracks as MotoGP due to a lack of spectators willing to pay for tickets.
A Proud Legacy, But a Harsh Reality
Despite his criticisms, Rea also praised Dorna for making manufacturers more competitive and improving aspects of the championship. He recalled his early years in the series when brands like BMW, Aprilia, Honda, and Ducati were all heavily involved, stating that he was fortunate to experience both eras of the sport.
As Rea approaches the twilight of his career, his comments highlight a long-standing debate: should top World Superbike riders be given a real chance in MotoGP? For now, Razgatlioglu remains a star within World Superbikes, but whether he can break into MotoGP and achieve “megastar” status remains uncertain.
