Jonathan Rea and the Barni Spark Racing Team were in talks for 2026, but 'no false hopes' were given.

Earlier in the week, Jonathan Rea announced his retirement from full-time racing after two difficult seasons in the Pata Yamaha World Superbike Team.

The Northern Irishman had been searching for ways to stay in the World Superbike paddock on a competitive machine for the 2026 season.

There had been reports that Rea had been in contact with the factory Ducati and Honda teams, who both rejected him. Most recently, reports suggested he was in negotiations with the Barni Spark Racing Team.

However, negotiations between the six-time World Champion and the Italian team broke down, and a couple of days later, Rea announced his retirement.

At the Aragon Test, Marco Barnabo, the owner of the Barni Spark Racing Team, discussed his talks with Rea.

"Here, on this subject I would like to be very clear," Barnabo said in an interview with GPOne.com.

"I spoke with Johnny, since he was interested in our bike, but in the end, I did not give him any false hopes, much less do I feel guilty about his retirement.

"Obviously, I'm sorry he won't be racing next year, as Superbike loses a great Champion, but as I said my priority was to try to get Bautista."

The Italian went on to admit that Alvaro Bautista was his preferred choice, and Rea was his second option, if the Spaniard did not sign for his team.

"I probably would have aimed for Rea, I don't deny that," he admitted.

"My priority was to bet on an experienced rider, already in this Championship, without going looking for bets, since we already have a young guy like Montella on the team.

"With Alvaro, we knew it would be easier, plus Ducati cared about him continuing with the new bike in 2026."