Honda has revealed its official rider roster for the 2026 World Superbike (WorldSBK) season, announcing the addition of Jake Dixon and Somkiat Chantra as factory riders. Both athletes transition from the grand prix circuit to compete under the HRC WorldSBK banner starting next year.
Chantra and Dixon Prepare for WorldSBK Debut
Somkiat Chantra will take on his first full season in the WorldSBK series after competing in MotoGP with the LCR Honda satellite team. Jake Dixon arrives with a strong background, having spent seven seasons in Moto2 where he secured six grand prix victories. Although 2026 marks their rookie year in WorldSBK, Dixon’s prior experience in the British Superbike Championship (BSB) includes finishing as runner-up in 2018 behind Leon Haslam and participating as a wildcard at the 2017 UK round, where he placed ninth in Race 2.
Commitment and Ambition from Honda HRC
The official statement confirms both riders’ contracts for the 2026 season, with no mention of extensions beyond that year. Taichi Honda, General Manager of HRC, expressed enthusiasm about the new signings, stating,
“We are pleased to welcome Somkiat Chantra and Jake Dixon as factory riders of the Honda HRC WorldSBK Team from 2026.”
He emphasized Chantra’s groundbreaking achievements, noting,
“Chantra, the first Thai rider ever to win in Moto2 and to race in MotoGP, now takes an important new step within the Honda family, extending his career at the international top level as the first Thai rider to compete full-time in the Superbike World Championship as a factory rider.”
Regarding Dixon, Honda added,
“Dixon, a multiple Moto2 grand prix winner, has consistently demonstrated the speed and determination required to succeed in a championship as competitive as WorldSBK.”
The manager concluded with optimism about the future, saying,
“Together, their talent, experience, and racing spirit will be valuable assets as we continue to strengthen our position in the series.”
We remain fully committed to the WorldSBK project, with a clear goal – to bring Honda back to the top of the championship.
Taichi Honda, General Manager of HRC
The Road Ahead for Honda and Its Riders
The inclusion of Somkiat Chantra and Jake Dixon in the Honda factory lineup positions the team with fresh talent and proved competitive riders ready to challenge in the 2026 WorldSBK season. As Honda pushes to regain championship dominance, the combination of Chantra’s historic presence and Dixon’s experienced racecraft sets high expectations. Fans and insiders will be watching closely as the team prepares for their upcoming campaign on the world stage.
