Honda HRC Continues WorldSBK Preparations with Wet Portimão Test

Dixon gains crucial mileage in difficult conditions as Nagashima stands in for injured Chantra ahead of Australia opener.

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The Honda HRC World Superbike team has wrapped up another pre-season test, this time at Portugal’s Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, following last week’s weather-hit outing in Jerez.

The session, held on January 28–29, saw Jake Dixon complete another day of testing as he prepares for his rookie WorldSBK season. With team-mate Somkiat Chantra still recovering from recent arm surgery, Honda test rider Tetsuta Nagashima once again stepped in to support the programme.

Weather continued to be the main challenge. After rain disrupted running at Jerez, Portimão delivered even more difficult conditions. A soaked track on Wednesday morning and mixed conditions through the day meant only Nagashima took to the circuit for Honda HRC initially. Thursday remained wet from start to finish, allowing Dixon to join the Japanese rider on track.

Despite limited dry running, the team focused on key development areas. Dixon worked closely with his technicians on rain set-ups, riding position adjustments and electronics, using the tricky conditions to build understanding of the Honda Superbike.

This test marks Honda HRC’s final European outing before the team heads to Australia for the official two-day test ahead of Round 1 of the 2026 WorldSBK Championship, scheduled for February 20–22 at Phillip Island.

Dixon acknowledged the challenge but valued the experience gained: “It was a very challenging test because of the weather, with a lot of rain and difficult conditions, but we tried to make the most of the time we had on track,” he said. “Riding in the wet all day is not easy, especially as a rookie in Superbike and on a completely new bike, but every lap was important to keep learning.

“We focused mainly on rain settings, my riding position and electronics. Coming from Moto2, the feeling and the way you ride the bike are very different, so I know I need many more laps to build confidence, especially under braking and on corner entry.

“Of course we would all prefer dry conditions, but even in these circumstances we were able to learn useful things. Now we head to Australia knowing there is still more to improve, but with a clear direction and motivation to keep progressing.”

With Chantra still sidelined and weather limiting pre-season mileage, Honda HRC will look to maximise the upcoming Phillip Island test as preparations intensify for the season opener.