Jake Dixon and Jonathan Rea’s role: how it could impact Honda’s project

Dixon’s debut on the CBR1000RR-R was highly anticipated: nothing extraordinary, but the Honda rider is confident for 2026.

The two days of Superbike testing in Jerez were especially important for riders facing a radical change. That’s the case for Jake Dixon and Somkiat Chantra, who in Andalusia rode the Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP of the HRC team for the first time. After years in Grand Prix racing, both have started a completely new career path that requires a normal adaptation period.

In the final timesheets it was the Thai rider who came out on top: ninth with a 0.314-second advantage over his teammate, who was eleventh and also trailed behind test rider Tetsuta Nagashima. The British rider was also involved in three crashes, without physical consequences, but they still slowed his work a bit.

Dixon said he was happy with his debut on the Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade and with the HRC team: "It was great to be back riding a powerful bike; I have a lot to learn. I had some crashes, but they’re part of my learning process. I couldn’t be happier with my team, they’re fantastic. I’ve never been in such a professional squad with so many people around me. That’s really nice, but the learning curve is huge and it takes time."

The English rider also explained what happened in the three crashes he had between Wednesday and Thursday: "Yesterday (Wednesday) I went over the limit on the brakes, while today I felt good with the front and crashed at Turn 2, nothing major. The last one happened on the exit of Turn 4: I wheelied a bit too much, ran off the track, couldn’t shut the throttle in time and ended up in the gravel. I couldn’t slow the bike enough heading toward the barriers, so I jumped off. It’s not ideal, but racing is like that and I learned. It’s been two great days, with lots of laps and many long runs. I also worked a lot with the hard tire, but in the end, because of the crash, I couldn’t put on the qualifying one."

Moving from Moto2 to Superbike was almost a shock for Jake, who said on the topic: "There’s a massive difference, especially when it comes to electronics. I have a lot to do to adapt. In terms of pace, I wasn’t that bad, but I have to learn a lot to be faster on a single lap. I can’t wait to continue this journey and progress as a Superbike rider."

Xavi Vierge and Sam Lowes said that in terms of riding style Moto2 and Superbike are quite similar. Dixon strongly disagrees: "No, it’s completely different. Maybe they were drunk when they said that. In particular, the electronics package is really different. In Moto2 it’s very basic, whereas in SBK you have to think about every single corner between power, engine braking, and traction control. In Moto2 there’s no traction control; everything is more limited. Here there are so many more things to think about: not just the chassis, but also how to manage the rear tire, the electronics, and other aspects. It’s closer to MotoGP than to Moto2. In BSB it’s all in your hands; here there are many aids and it’s important to have a team that allows you to extract the maximum potential."

The British rider was also asked about the role that Jonathan Rea, HRC tester in 2026, could have: "He’s won many titles and knows how to be fast. He also raced with Yamaha and Kawasaki, so he will bring experience and help the team go in the right direction."

When did he realize he wouldn’t have a chance in MotoGP and that it would be better to move to WorldSBK? Here is Dixon’s answer: "Probably at the beginning of 2025. Even though the season started well, I knew the chances would be slim. I’m sorry I didn’t get an opportunity in MotoGP, but that’s life. I got one in Superbike and decided fairly early to come here. I wanted to be in the Honda family and here I am; I think we can do great things together."