Somkiat Chantra, making his Honda World Superbike (WorldSBK) debut at the Jerez test in November 2025, revealed he applied elements of his MotoGP experience to electronics setup during the two-day session. The Thai rider ended up as the tenth-fastest among participants.
Key Takeaways
- Somkiat Chantra made his WorldSBK debut with Honda, focusing on understanding new bike and tyres.
- The rider used MotoGP-like settings for electronics during the test to adapt quickly.
- Jake Dixon also debuted in WorldSBK but faced a steep learning curve due to multiple crashes.
Chantra’s approach was influenced by his recent experience in MotoGP, where he found the bike’s control systems more refined compared to those of the CBR1000RR-R. He experimented with power modes and traction control settings similar to what he used in MotoGP, indicating a methodical progression towards optimizing performance.
Despite the differences between MotoGP and WorldSBK bikes, Chantra reported positive results from his test session. The rider expressed satisfaction with how his team worked on various aspects of bike setup and tyre management. He noted that each day brought improvements in lap times as they fine-tuned settings.
The Jerez test marked the first time Jake Dixon rode for Honda’s WorldSBK team, following a three-year stint in Moto2. Dixon faced challenges immediately, crashing three times during the session. In contrast to Chantra’s steady improvement, Dixon described his experience as the beginning of a significant learning process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Somkiat Chantra perform in his WorldSBK debut?
Somkiat Chantra ended up as the tenth-fastest rider at the Jerez test, showing steady improvement throughout the two days.
What challenges did Jake Dixon face during his first WorldSBK session?
Jake Dixon crashed three times and described the experience as a steep learning curve due to the differences between Moto2 bikes and WorldSBK machinery.
The Jerez test provided an initial glimpse into Chantra’s and Dixon’s transition from other racing series to World Superbike. With more testing ahead, both riders will continue refining their setups in preparation for the upcoming season.
