Jonathan Rea replaces Jake Dixon for Honda WorldSBK test, Chantra returns
Jonathan Rea will replace the injured Jake Dixon during Honda’s upcoming WorldSBK test at Portimao, where Somkiat Chantra will make a return to action.
The Honda HRC WorldSBK team will be back on track for the first time since the Phillip Island season opener, during a test at Portimao on 9–10 March.
The outing will mark the return of former MotoGP rider Somkiat Chantra, who was forced to miss Phillip Island due to arm injuries in training.
But while the Thai rider returns, team-mate Jake Dixon remains on the sidelines and will be replaced at Portimao by superstar test rider Jonathan Rea.
Like Chantra, Dixon was also denied a factory Honda debut in Australia after fracturing his wrist on the final day of pre-season testing.
The former Moto2 race winner underwent surgery in Melbourne before returning to Europe.
A Honda statement added: ‘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.’
Following his own surgery, Chantra has been training on a CBR600RR but will now take to the track on a factory CBR1000RR-R for the first time since a single HRC test at the end of 2025.
‘The Honda HRC team will provide further updates on Jake Dixon’s recovery in due course,” the statement concluded.
Round two of the WorldSBK season takes place at Portimao on the weekend of 27-29 March.
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