Former Grand Prix rider Jake Dixon says six-time Superbike World Champion Jonathan Rea has “breathed lots of life” into the Honda challenge since returning to the model.
The World Superbike legend introduced his retirement from full-time racing final yr, earlier than signing a deal to turn into Honda’s official check rider.
Jonathan Rea competed in World Superbike with Honda for six years from 2009 to 2014, ending third within the 2014 rankings earlier than shifting to Kawasaki and starting an period of supremacy.
The Ulsterman took to the HRC observe alongside Jake Dixon for the Jerez check this week, with Dixon ending thirteenth as he begins his adaptation from Moto2 to World Superbike.
When requested about Rea on the official WorldSBK web site, Dixon mentioned with a twinkle in his eye, “At the beginning, it was an incredible deal for Honda.”
“I feel it is nice to have such an incredible champion with a lot expertise on our group.
“Anyway, I do know him very nicely. It is nice to have him in my nook and in addition Nagashima (Tetta).
“For us, it is nearly like ammunition. It isn’t going to vary in a single day, however over the course of the season, we’re positively going to get stronger. Actually, I am very motivated and excited.”
“He brings lots of vitality to the entire group and the Take a look at group is nice.”
Rea underwent knee surgical procedure over the winter however admitted his medical doctors can be “very offended” in the event that they came upon he was testing in Jerez as he has a “lengthy street” to totally get better.
Testing at Jerez was affected by unhealthy climate, severely limiting collection rookie Dixon’s mileage forward of his full-time World Superbike debut.
“It wasn’t ideally suited. I used to be fully washed out on Wednesday and solely did 16 laps,” he added.
“That was good as a result of I needed to experience within the rain somewhat bit.
“I felt comfy all the time from one exit to a different. I skilled my first moist lap, however on Thursday we solely had a couple of hours earlier than it began raining.
“It’s kind of irritating as a rookie competing in World Superbike, however we’d like time. We’ve new components this yr so we have to get by means of that and preserve testing.
“It is from an excellent scenario, however because of the chassis upgrades we really feel rather more comfy than we did in November.”
