Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) has announced the lineup for its 2026 FIM Superbike World Championship team, selecting Somkiat Chantra Honda WorldSBK and Jake Dixon as its factory riders. This move signals Honda’s strong commitment to recapturing its former dominance by blending Asian talent with European expertise on the world stage.
A Dynamic Partnership Across Continents
The 2026 team unites two accomplished racers from contrasting backgrounds, both driven by a shared goal of success. Somkiat Chantra, a trailblazer from Thailand, made history by becoming the first Thai rider to secure Moto2 victories and compete in MotoGP with Idemitsu Honda LCR in 2025. His full-time presence in WorldSBK as a factory rider marks a significant milestone, highlighting Honda’s embrace of Asian riders.
Joining him is Jake Dixon from Britain, a seasoned competitor known for his fearless riding style and steady rise through Moto2. Dixon, a 2018 British Superbike Championship runner-up and six-time Moto2 winner, carries extensive European racing experience and has earned wins at circuits such as Assen, Catalunya, and COTA. Together, these riders embody the global ambition Honda has for its WorldSBK campaign.
HRC’s Ambitious Outlook for the Future
Taichi Honda, General Manager of HRC, expressed enthusiasm about the announcement, recognizing the fresh energy both riders bring to the Honda factory team.
“We are pleased to welcome Somkiat Chantra and Jake Dixon as factory riders of the Honda HRC WorldSBK Team from 2026. Chantra extends his Honda journey by becoming the first Thai factory rider in WorldSBK, while Dixon has proven speed and determination in Moto2. Together, they bring the talent, experience, and racing spirit we need as we aim to bring Honda back to the top of the championship.” – Taichi Honda, General Manager, HRC
This bold signing strategy demonstrates HRC’s commitment to blending youth, proven racecraft, and international appeal in its mission to reclaim supremacy in production motorcycle racing.
Profiles of Honda’s Leading Riders
Somkiat Chantra was born on December 15, 1998, in Chonburi, Thailand. His career has been marked by several historic firsts for Thai motorsport, including becoming the 2016 Asia Talent Cup Champion and the first Thai rider to win in Moto2 with his victories at Mandalika in 2022 and Motegi in 2023. Chantra’s 2024 Moto2 campaign saw him accumulate 104 points, finishing 12th overall. His MotoGP debut came in 2025 with the Idemitsu Honda LCR team, setting the stage for his unprecedented entry into WorldSBK as a factory competitor.
Jake Dixon, born January 15, 1996, in Dover, England, brings a strong competitive record in European racing. Having secured second place in the 2018 British Superbike Championship, Dixon progressed to Moto2, where he has captured six Grand Prix wins between 2023 and 2025. His 21 podium finishes and eight pole positions underline his status as one of the most consistent riders in the class. Notable victories at circuits like Assen, Catalunya, Silverstone, Aragón, Termas de Río Hondo, and COTA illustrate his capacity to contend on diverse tracks.
Honda’s Renewed Challenge to WorldSBK Leaders
Recently, Ducati and Yamaha have dominated the FIM Superbike World Championship, leaving Honda to refine its approach for a strong comeback. The addition of Somkiat Chantra and Jake Dixon reflects HRC’s strategic focus on recruiting riders who combine youthful vigor with proven speed and racing intelligence. This pairing is expected to bolster Honda’s competitiveness and reinforce the brand’s long-term ambition of winning races and securing championships worldwide.
Setting the Stage for the 2026 Season and Beyond
Honda’s official announcement makes clear that the company regards the upcoming WorldSBK season as a fresh chapter marked by renewed hope and determination. By entrusting Somkiat Chantra Honda WorldSBK and Jake Dixon with their factory machinery, HRC stands confident in their ability to push Honda motorcycles to the forefront of superbike racing.
Chantra’s historic role as the first Thai factory rider combined with Dixon’s established European success promises a diverse and powerful challenge to rival manufacturers. Fans and experts alike will watch closely as Honda aims to disrupt the status quo, with the 2026 WorldSBK calendar poised to reveal how effectively this partnership channels Honda’s racing legacy into championship-winning performances.
The clear message from Honda is that it is no longer content to trail its rivals but is actively building the foundation to dominate WorldSBK once again.
