Inbound Honda HRC riders Jake Dixon and Somkiat Chantra react to 2026 WorldSBK jump
The #96 and #35 are looking forward to jumping on the CBR 1000 RR-R next season as a part of the WorldSBK field
Honda HRC have some high-calibre reinforcements on the way for the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship 2026 season. Moto2’s Jake Dixon will make the jump alongside MotoGP’s Somkiat Chantra, bringing a new look to the Japanese factory team as they usher in a new era for the team after four years with their outbound Vierge-Lecuona pair, who each will be riding with different manufacturers next season. Once their respective seasons conclude, Chantra and Dixon will both have the opportunity sink their teeth into their new Honda machinery November 26th-27th at Jerez, where they confirmed they will partake in a test to get a first feeling with their new bikes.
A NATION ON HIS BACK: “I’m really happy and proud to be the first Thai full-time WorldSBK rider, let’s see what we can accomplish next season!”
Born in Chonburi, outside of Bangkok, Thailand, Chantra brings six years of Moto2 experience to the paddock, as well as championship-quality experience, as he and his Asia Talent Cup trophy prepare to make the move in 2026. Most recently, the #35 has been riding with MotoGP with IDEMITSU Honda LCR. While he has had some growing pains adjusting to the MotoGP field, in Moto2, he garnered high praise thanks to his two wins, six podiums and two pole positions across his six years there. Working in his favour, the Thai rider has already developed strong continuity with Honda, having ridden their machinery professionally for nine years across various championships, including Moto2, Moto3, and MotoGP.
On his new chapter, Chantra said: “I’m really happy! When a seat with a factory team in WorldSBK was interested, I thought, ‘Oh, wow! It’s a new challenge for me, so I’m really excited. Let’s see at the end of the year, because we will have a test on a superbike. Let’s see how it goes; for sure, we’ll be having fun next season. Here in MotoGP, there is a lot to learn about the electronics. The bikes will be quite different, but I hope that I find the electronics to be similar there so I can apply things I’ve learned in my MotoGP rookie season to my rookie season in WorldSBK. I’m really happy and proud to be the first Thai full-time WorldSBK rider. Let’s see what we can accomplish next season!”
READY TO ROCK: "I'm looking forward to getting some power underneath me and really unleashing my full potential”
Two years and one month older than his Thai future teammate, 29-year-old England’s Jake Dixon will be riding shoulder to shoulder with Chantra atop their new Honda CBR 1000 RR-Rs. Currently racing for Elf Marc VDS Racing Team in Moto2, the Dover native is a seven-year veteran of the Moto2 class. He has enjoyed a strong career so far in the category, earning a strong tally of 21 podiums and six wins, including two this season, first in the Argentine GP and more recently in the GP of the Americas. Currently, he sits in fifth place in the category with just four rounds left, strong form which will surely boost his confidence coming into his rookie WorldSBK season.
On his new opportunity with Honda HRC in WorldSBK, Dixon said: “I’m really really excited for WorldSBK. It’s a new chapter in my career. Can’t wait. Thank you to HRC and Honda for giving me the opportunity to be in a factory team in WorldSBK. The things they have coming in the future are exciting. It’s one of the reasons I’ve gone with them. They are a brand constantly evolving and growing. You can see what they are doing here. The motivation in the factory when I went there the other day was amazing, so I can’t wait to get stuck in there. I think what I’m most excited about is getting back on a superbike. I’ve not really ridden one since 2018. I’m just looking forward to getting some power underneath me and really unleashing what I can to show my full potential on. I think first of all I need to get my fit with it, but the end goal is obviously to win. In WorldSBK, the boys are fast there, but I have no doubt in my mind I can go there, win some races and hopefully win some Championships.”
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