Pata Yamaha is searching for a replacement rider for round two of the 2025 World Superbike Championship, as team principal Paul Denning confirmed that Jonathan Rea has “no chance” of recovering in time for Portimao.
Rea suffered multiple fractures in his left foot after a highside crash during testing at Phillip Island, where his bouncing R1 landed on him. Despite the next round in Portugal being scheduled for March 28-30, his injuries are too severe for him to participate in testing or racing.
Denning expressed Rea’s disappointment but confirmed that he is already working with medical experts on his recovery. However, the timeline for healing means Yamaha must find a temporary replacement. While the team has yet to confirm who will step in, new Yamaha MotoGP test rider Augusto Fernandez is rumored to be a potential candidate to race alongside Andrea Locatelli at Portimao.
