Confident Jake Dixon (Honda): “I can make the difference”

For Jake Dixon, the move to the Honda Racing Corporation works team in the 2026 World Superbike Championship was a gamble. After all, with three wins and six podium finishes last year, the 30-year-old proved that he remains one of the best Moto2 riders. The Englishman’s motivation: whilst he is at the peak of his racing career for the production-based World Championship, he is one of the older riders in the GP paddock.

However, following a protracted hand injury sustained before the season even began, his rookie season will effectively only get underway after the summer break at Magny-Cours. So far, the Englishman has only competed in the first round at MotorLand Aragón and his home race at Donington Park. He has not managed to score any World Championship points in the four races to date. Dixon is convinced that he will quickly establish himself in the World Superbike Championship.

“I’m familiar with Superbikes from my time in the BSB. Admittedly without electronics, but I was fighting for the championship,” said Dixon, recalling the early days of his career. “I’d say I performed better there than I did later in Moto2. Moto2 is one of the toughest series because the bikes are all on a similar level. Basically, they only differ in terms of the chassis, but essentially they’re comparable. If you can secure wins there, a rider’s talent really shines through – and I was able to demonstrate that there.”

Indeed, Dixon impressed during a one-off appearance at Donington Park in 2017, finishing ninth in the second race on a Kawasaki ZX-10R. In terms of riding ability, the Honda rider believes he is capable of challenging for the front positions.

“I’m open to new things, I don’t have any preconceptions, I’m keen to learn and I want to improve. That’s why I’m here,” emphasised Dixon. “At the end of the day, a Superbike is just a motorbike with two wheels. And if the bike is competitive, I can make the difference. I’m convinced of that. If I weren’t, I’d be better off staying at home.”

Honda is putting a great deal of effort into reducing the gap to the top bikes and is testing more than any other manufacturer during the summer break. Following a test at Magny-Cours, two further test days at Estoril are on the programme.