Jake Dixon (Honda HRC) and Danilo Petrucci (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) will return to MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship action at Donington Park after being declared fit ahead of the Prosecco DOC UK Round. For Dixon, it will be his home round and his first appearance since Aragon, while it will be Petrucci’s first WorldSBK action since he suffered a big Race 1 crash at the Autodrom Most.
Dixon has been preparing for his first season with Honda HRC in WorldSBK, but those preparations took a massive hit in the Official Test in Australia when he crashed and suffered fractures to his left wrist. He missed the entire season until the Aragon Round, where he attempted his comeback but only completed Race 1 before withdrawing. Now, the #96 will look to kickstart his campaign on home soil and his return preparations included a one-day test at the British venue a couple of weeks ago.
Immediately after his medical check, Dixon said: “Home round, passed fit! Now we’re actually gonna go for a full weekend this time, so it’s all good. It’s obviously been super difficult but, listen, tough times never last. We’re back at the home round, fans are going to be shouting so let’s have a good time. Always looking forward to it, always ready; just ready to get going!”
As for Petrucci, the #9 has been unable to compete since Most when he had a massive highside in Czechia which left him, among other injuries, with a fractured coccyx. ‘Petrux’ has been getting ready for his return to action with a test at Donington Park as well as a guest appearance in the CIV at Mugello, taking part in the practice sessions, as he searched for bike fitness. Both Dixon and Petrucci have been declared fit for the UK Round.
Giving his initial thoughts after being passed fit, Petrucci stated: “Yes, I’m ready to go again at Donington, one of my favourite circuits. I can’t wait to jump on my bike and finally re-join all the riders and the WorldSBK group. I’m really happy, we’ve been here testing and I felt really good. I’m happy and satisfied with the work we’ve done in the last few months.”
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