Kawasaki confirms two-year contract extension with Rea

The Northern Irishman joined the team last year, ending a long-standing relationship with Honda, and dominated the season with 14 wins and 23 podiums in 26 races.

Rea has kicked off 2016 in similar fashion, finishing on the podium in every race so far and leading the standings by 35 points from Ducati rider Chaz Davies.

Similarly to his Kawasaki teammate Tom Sykes, Rea's contract expired at the end of 2016 but after such success, renewing the contract seemed to be a formality.

"I am so happy to extend this partnership with the Kawasaki Racing Team and continue the great relationship I have with all the Kawasaki engineers and fans," said Rea.

"It is clear that our objectives and way of working are very well matched so it makes perfect sense to extend this for two more seasons.

"With all the incredible memories we have made so far and are now creating, I am 100 percent confident that we will enjoy working together and develop the Ninja ZX-10R into the future.

"I would like to thank Kawasaki and all the KRT staff for their full support and belief in my potential. With this in mind I am now even more focused than ever to win the championship in 2016 to make it back to back wins."

Rea continuing at Kawasaki puts Sykes' future at the team in doubt, as the former champion has failed to keep up with Rea in the standings for the second year in a row.

The Yorkshire rider has been linked to switch to rival team Ducati, where he would most likely line up alongside Davies to replace Davide Giugliano.

It is thought Sykes has until this month's Donington Park round to accept an offer to remain at Kawasaki.