The Honda HRC team set for Portimao test with Somkiat Chantra and Jonathan Rea

Following the opening round of the 2026 FIM Superbike World Championship, held in Australia a fortnight ago, the Honda HRC team prepares for a two-day test session, scheduled to take place at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve in Portimao (Portugal) on 9–10 March.

After undergoing surgery on his left wrist at “The Avenue Hospital” in Melbourne, Jake Dixon returned to Europe. A follow-up medical check in the UK has confirmed that his recovery is progressing as expected. The British rider is now at home in Andorra and will not take part in the upcoming Portuguese test as he continues his rehabilitation.

Taking his place in the Honda HRC team garage will be six-time world champion Jonathan Rea, who will share the box with Somkiat Chantra as the Thai rider returns to track action.

All post-surgery medical checks on Chantra’s arms have brought positive results, and the Thai rider has already taken to the track, riding a CBR600RR during training sessions in his home country. The Portimao test will give Chantra the opportunity to reunite with his team and his CBR1000RR-R for the first time since completing a single test with the squad at the end of 2025.

Chantra will be able to rely on the full support of the Honda HRC team, which during the winter has continued working on the setup of the CBR1000RR-R with test rider Tetsuta Nagashima, who enjoyed a solid weekend at Phillip Island.

The Honda HRC team will provide further updates on Jake Dixon’s recovery in due course.