Superbike test in Jerez: Honda works rider Somkiat Chantra sets the fastest time

Honda Racing Corporation booked the Jerez circuit for two days to clock up plenty of laps with its regular riders Jake Dixon and Somkiat Chantra, as well as test rider Jonathan Rea. The regulations stipulate that all other participating teams must be offered the chance to take part at a fair price – but only BMW and the Ducati customer team MarcVDS, along with one Supersport team, took the opportunity to begin preparations for the 2027 Superbike World Championship on the circuit this Thursday and Friday under ideal conditions.

It came as no surprise that Sam Lowes set the fastest lap on the first day. The Englishman only had to familiarise himself with the Michelin tyres and the Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes, which will be used as standard from next season. On Thursday evening, MarcVDS packed up and decided not to take part on the second day.

Honda and BMW, on the other hand, had also introduced new developments to their motorbikes and stayed on, as both manufacturers will be fielding a new homologation model next year. The lap times are therefore not particularly significant given the various changes.

Honda gained initial experience with a CBR1000RR-R that has been significantly updated for 2027. As the bike has not yet been unveiled to the public, it is not possible to make a reliable assessment of the extent of the modifications. New aerodynamic elements were clearly evident. Chantra set the fastest time. After 77 laps, the Thai rider clocked a time of 1:38.703, which is quite remarkable, as during the race weekend he was only faster in Superpole with a time of 1:38.606 – and he was quicker than Sam Lowes the previous day!

To save on test days, BMW works rider Miguel Oliveira was only on track on Thursday, leaving the rest of the work to test rider Michael van der Mark. The Dutchman’s assessment is worth its weight in gold for the British-Bavarian works team, because, after BMW had all its concessions withdrawn following Toprak Razgatlioglu’s victory in the 2025 Superbike World Championship – including those for the chassis – there will be a new frame in 2027. Van der Mark is best placed to understand the changes.

As on Thursday, only Yamaha’s new signing Jeremy Alcoba and his AS Racing team-mate Aldi Mahendra were out on the track. The Indonesian lapped the Circuito de Jerez on the R9 in 1:43.147 minutes, slightly faster than the Spaniard.

Superbike test at Jerez, 22–23 October, Day 2 times

1. Somkiat Chantra (Honda), 1:38.703 mins

2. Jonathan Rea (Honda) 1:38.866

3. Jake Dixon (Honda), 1:39.295

4. Michael vd Mark (BMW), 1:39.995