Honda HRC have put pen to paper and completed the signing of a pair of promising riders looking to help the storied Japanese manufacturer embark on a chapter of newfound success. The venerated CBR1000RR-R SP returns for more action, in which it will propel Jake Dixon and Somkiat Chantra around the track in what will be their rookie season in the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship after Dixon’s seven seasons in Moto2 and Chantra’s debut season in MotoGP.

FRESH FACES: new line-up and a new team manager

The new faces arrive to the Honda box after their previous Spanish rider pair have both made moves to other teams. Iker Lecuona dons ‘Ducatisi’ red as he joins the factory Ducati team, and Xavi Vierge is set to suit up in Yamaha blue as he prepares to now ride alongside Andrea Locatelli for the Pata Maxus Yamaha team. The pair were important figures in the box for the team; having ridden with the team for the last four seasons, the #7 and #97 showed a positive trajectory, developing the CBR1000RR-R SP Fireblade platform into a more formidable machine year after year. The team’s riders, however, aren’t the only changes in the box; Yuji Mori will replace Jose Escamez as the Team Manager. Mori has worked tirelessly with the team, and his new post, announced last season at the EICMA Estoril Round, may perhaps be the change the team has been looking for, with Mori already experienced within the Honda project.

ARRIVING WITH MOMENTUM: Dixon enjoyed a fruitful 2025 season in Moto2 and will hope to bring that same speed into WorldSBK

The 30-year-old rider from Dover rode last season with ELF Marc VDS Racing Team’s Moto2 cohort in what has been the latest in a strong run of form over the last four seasons. Each of his 22 podiums and seven wins have come during this stretch, featuring a sixth-place finish in 2022, a fourth-place finish in 2023, eighth in 2024, and fifth in 2025. He hopes to adapt to the superbike quickly, aided in part by his time in British Superbikes, which gives him vital continuity with the type of machine, albeit from before he embarked on his career in the Grand Prix paddock.

A BREATH OF FRESH AIR: Chantra looks for a return to success in his WorldSBK debut season

Thailand’s 27-year-old star rider Somkiat Chantra rides into the WorldSBK paddock from MotoGP after a difficult season with IDEMITSU Honda LCR, where he struggled to find his footing in the class. He will make the jump to WorldSBK and will benefit from the continuity of remaining with the same Japanese manufacturer in this Championship. Unfortunately for him, Chantra suffered a crash in training at Malaysia’s Sepang International Circuit ahead of the preseason test at Jerez, ruling him out of riding there or at the subsequent Portimao test. He required surgery on both forearms, and the subsequent recovery means his competitive WorldSBK debut is postponed as he’s been ruled out of action in Australia.

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