Danilo Petrucci (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) and Jake Dixon (Honda HRC) were both back on their MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship machines at Donington Park recently as their recovery ramped up. Both riders have been battling injuries but took the opportunity to test in the UK to evaluate how their recovery is going ahead of the Prosecco DOC UK Round in July.
Petrucci suffered a fractured coccyx when he had a monster highside during Race 1 at the Autodrom Most. ‘Petrux’ was forced to miss the Aragon Round as well as home round at Misano, although Petrucci did join up the BMW squad to support them. The German manufacturer are hoping to have both Petrucci and Miguel Oliveira re-united at the UK Round, with the #88 making his own recovery from injuries and returning at Misano. Petrucci’s participation is subject to a pre-round medical check.
Discussing his test, Petrucci said: “I’m very happy because, before the test, I wasn’t completely sure about my physical condition. It was therefore great to see that I could ride again and feel comfortable on the bike. Most of all, I was delighted to be working with my crew again. We worked well together, made progress with the setup, and I was able to ride at a good pace. The most important thing for me, however, was simply having fun on the bike again – that’s what I missed the most. I would like to thank the entire BMW team for giving me this opportunity, and I can’t wait to go racing again at Donington.”
At the Honda HRC camp, Dixon also took part in the test at Donington. The #96 made a return from a fractured wrist at Aragon but only completed Race 1 before focusing on the rehabilitation process. He also missed Misano, but the British rider will look to return on home soil. During the test, Dixon completed 70 laps as he put his wrist through its paces as he looks to really start his 2026 season at home.
Dixon said: “A good test, I’m super happy to be back. I now feel ready to tackle the Donington race weekend in two weeks. I’ll head home, rest for a couple of days, and over the next two weeks try to get a little bit stronger again. I feel that my wrist has taken another step and hopefully, over the next days, things will improve further. I’m just so happy to be back with the team and hopefully now I can be back full-time with all the guys.”
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