Jonathan Rea could join the MotoGP ranks full-time in 2014.

Long-time Honda rider, Briton Jonathan Rea is a realistic chance at piloting one of the brand’s production racers in the MotoGP ranks in 2014.

A current factory World Superbike pilot for Ten Kate’s Pata-branded team, Rea’s loyalty to the brand could be rewarded with a MotoGP berth, speculated by Motorcycle News to be at the British Paul Bird Motorsport (PBM) outfit.

Honda Racing Corporation head Livio Suppo said the brand was keen to explore any option for Rea on the factory-built production machine.

“Jonathan has proven to be very loyal with Honda and personally I would like to see him in MotoGP because last year he did a good job and I think he deserves a chance,” said Suppo.

“When we speak to teams we need to understand which kind of riders they would like to put on the bike and Jonathan is always on the list.”

Rea slotted in to Casey Stoner’s seat when the Aussie was forced to miss both Misano and Aragon rounds due to injury last year.

He finished eighth on debut and backed the result up with an improved seventh in his second outing.

2013 is Rea’s fifth WSBK season with Honda, with his best finish a fourth place in 2010.

PBM currently field Brit Michael Laverty and Colombian Yonny Hernandez on Aprilia CRT machinery, and are tipped to be in the market for one of the Hondas on offer.

The production machine will be developed by Honda, with two-time MotoGP World Champion Stoner helping to evaluate and setup the bike.