Jake Dixon has revealed that transferring from Moto2 to the Manufacturing facility Honda WorldSBK Crew in 2026 was “scary” at first.
After seven seasons within the Moto2 World Championship, Dixon will transfer to the Superbike World Championship this season.
Leaping into top-level manufacturing racing with the HRC manufacturing facility workforce was a dream come true, however it wasn’t simple for the British rider to get used to at first.
Jake Dixon stated: “Being a manufacturing facility Honda HRC rider, it is an unbelievable feeling to have the ability to characterize Honda at World SBK.”
“Being a part of this undertaking is one thing I’ve all the time dreamed of and I am actually excited to begin this new chapter.
“If you participate in a manufacturing facility undertaking like this, you discover that you simply all the time must attempt to study new issues, however you even have to make use of your time properly.
“It makes a giant distinction to have such a powerful and skilled employees round me. I’ll admit that it was a bit scary assembly the workforce for the primary time because of the dimension and scope of the undertaking, however everybody has been very welcoming so I’m assured heading into the season.
“I actually consider that 2026 can be a yr of studying and progress, and I’m assured that the workforce will assist me develop step-by-step.”
“In the case of the CBR1000RR-R, this can be a highly effective machine that calls for numerous respect, so quite than attempting to be a hero proper now, I am extra centered on actually understanding it and figuring out when to take dangers and when to not.”
“Observe time throughout winter testing was restricted resulting from unhealthy climate, however using within the moist was helpful, particularly for me as a Superbike rookie on a brand new bike, as I used to be in a position to achieve expertise with every lap.”
Dixon additionally praised Honda’s improvement workforce, which incorporates Jonathan Rea as a check rider this yr alongside Tetta Nagashima.
“It is also nice to be working with a powerful check workforce. Nagashima has already accomplished an amazing job and the addition of Jonathan Rea is an actual asset for Honda,” Dixon stated.
“We (Dixon and Rea) know one another nicely and the alternate of concepts and suggestions has been very optimistic. The feedback concerning the bikes additionally appear to be related, which is essential for improvement.”
Jozic: “I perceive the place he is coming from”
Dixon moved to Honda this yr and can inherit Iker Lecuona’s crew, together with Tom Jozic as crew chief.
Jozic has expertise in Moto2 himself, so he can empathize a bit with the transition Dixon is making this yr.
“I am very comfortable to work with Jake (Dixon),” Jozic stated. “I’ve Moto2 expertise myself, so I perceive very nicely the place he’s coming from after spending so a few years within the paddock.
“Throughout testing, the main focus was on serving to him adapt to the superbike electronics so as to get essentially the most out of the general bundle. When it comes to bike set-up, chassis and using type, the variations aren’t excessive. Driving type modifications barely, however the greatest variations must do with the upper energy and managing the numerous digital methods out there.”
“A extra fully dry check day earlier than Phillip Island would have been helpful, however now we have undoubtedly improved since our first check final November and Jake’s confidence is rising.
“On the identical time, it is essential to remain grounded. We all know Jake is available in as a race winner, however Phillip Island can be his first WorldSBK race weekend and he’ll be up towards riders with numerous expertise on this championship.
“If we get outcome, that is nice. If it is tougher, we’ll hold constructing. The primary goal is to have a productive weekend and achieve worthwhile expertise from Jake’s first WorldSBK look.”
