Jake Dixon speaks of an encouraging test – will he lead Honda out of hell?

In hindsight, the comeback came too soon – over three months of convalescence were not enough for Jake Dixon’s badly injured left hand. The 30-year-old pulled out of the race weekend at Aragon at the end of May following the warm-up on Sunday morning – and the Honda works rider also sat out the Misano round in mid-June.

Four and a half months have now passed since his crash at Phillip Island, and a test day with team-mate Somkiat Chantra at Donington Park on 23 June went well.

“The recovery was tough, but it feels good to finally put that behind me and focus on racing again,” Dixon said. “The fact that I’m returning at my home race makes it something very special. Donington is a circuit I know well, and it means a great deal to me to be back here with the team. We already did a test here in June, and even then I was able to ride without any major problems with my wrist, which was a good sign. Several more weeks have passed since then, and my physical condition has continued to improve, so I’m heading into the weekend feeling positive.”

“The test was encouraging not only physically, but also in terms of the bike set-up and the direction we’ve been working in,” added the seven-time GP winner. “But we won’t really know where we stand until everyone is out on the track together and practice sessions get underway.”

Honda arrives in England buoyed by its Suzuka victory, but is also aware that, following what has been a disastrous season so far, no miracles can be expected. Chantra is the highest-placed Fireblade rider, sitting 20th in the World Championship standings; in the Constructors’ Championship, the Japanese manufacturer is languishing in last place. Providing additional support at Donington is record-breaking world champion and test rider Jonathan Rea, who is competing on a wildcard.