Rea rejects Ducati in favour of WSBK stay

Jonathan Rea is believed to have turned dow the chance to race on a MotoGP prototype in favour of staying with the Pata Honda team in World Superbikes.

Rea, who stood in for Casey Stoner for three races last season when the Aussie was injured, was understood to have been in talks with Ducati regarding a seat on the Panigale for next seasons World Superbike season, however with continued rumours Ben Spies may loose his ride, Rea was understood to have been offered the seat on the Desmosedici.

Spies has since taken to social media, and during a Q&A with fans he has denied rumours his ride is in question and has stated that he has a contract for 2014 and will race with Ducati.

@RonaldRSilvers yes I have a contract for next season! I've read all the rumors but as long as I'm healthy I'll be back!

— Ben Spies (@BenSpies11) September 30, 2013

But regardless of that Rea turned down the chance to join the Pramac team in favour of staying with Honda for another season, with rumours there could be a deal with Gresini and HRC in the pipeline for 2015.

Rea has also been in talks with the Forward Racing team about taking one of their Yamaha seats, but the seat that is being vacated by Claudio Corti will be taken by CRT front runner Aleix Espargaro.