Jonathan Rea “optimistic” about “very ambitious” Honda WorldSBK project

Jonathan Rea says he is still “optimistic” about the Honda WorldSBK project despite his complicated start to life as the factory’s test rider with the bad weather at the European tests.

Rea was able to complete only a limited amount of running during winter testing in January at Jerez and Portimao due to rain. At the Portimao test on 9–10 March, only the first morning was fully dry, so the six-time World Superbike Champion is still without much experience on the bike he has been employed to develop by HRC following his retirement from full-time racing at the end of last year.

Despite the lack of testing time, Rea will get his first chance to race the CBR1000RR-R this weekend (27–29 March) in Portugal as he stands in for Jake Dixon, who remains out of action after his testing crash in Australia in February and the resultant broken wrist.

“Firstly, I want to wish Jake [Dixon] a very speedy recovery,” said Jonathan Rea ahead of his first race of the 2026 season.

“The chance to race in WorldSBK again has come earlier than I expected, but it will also allow me to get some time on the bike and keep working with the team. 

“The weather this winter has been quite challenging, so being able to come to Portugal and race is important and we’ll try to make the most of it to gather valuable information. It’s a circuit I really enjoy and I’m looking forward to continuing to grow with the CBR, while learning as much as possible. 

“There are no real expectations or targets, just to enjoy the weekend, work well with the team and the crew, and continue developing the bike as best we can. 

“I think it’s a very ambitious project that requires a lot of work, but I’m optimistic.”

Chantra “riding consistently”

Somkiat Chantra made his first laps on the Honda WorldSBK bike this year in Portimao earlier this month at the two-day test following his arm-breaking Sepang crash in January.

The Thai rider will take part in his first WorldSBK race weekend at the second round of the 2026 season having been able to ride “consistently over the past few weeks”, although he still needs to pass a medical test on Thursday.

“I think I’m ready to get back in action in Portimao, as I’ve been riding consistently over the past few weeks,” ex-MotoGP rider Chantra said. 

“I’ve been training several times at home with my CBR600RR and also completed a one-day test with my race CBR1000RR-R here in Portimão two weeks ago. 

“Of course, I still need to pass the medical check, but hopefully everything will go well. Then we will see how I feel over the course of a full race weekend. 

“Everything will be quite new for me, as although I know the track from previous years –not one of my favourites I admit – it will be my first time racing here with a Superbike.

“That said, I’ll give it my all, stay on full gas and do my best.”