Dixon back with the Honda HRC team alongside Chantra for two-day Misano test
The Honda HRC team has completed a two-day test session at Misano World Circuit with Somkiat Chantra and returning rider Jake Dixon. The Honda HRC test team was also in attendance with HRC test rider Jonathan Rea.
Having travelled directly from Autodrom Most in Czechia with Somkiat Chantra, the factory Honda HRC team made the most of two days of ideal weather conditions at Misano, where a returning Jake Dixon was able to ride his CBR1000RR-R for the first time since his accident at Phillip Island on 17 February. Dixon was very pleased to be back working with his technicians, with the track time allowing him to assess his physical condition and the degree of strength in his wrist as his rehabilitation continues.
Taking to the track on Wednesday 20 and Thursday 21 May, Jake adopted a measured approach, with the team having carefully planned a schedule comprised of short exits and recovery time. The target was to ensure that he felt as comfortable as possible while working to rebuild, step by step, his strength and feeling. In doing so, Jake completed around 50 laps on Wednesday and 37 laps on Thursday, having decided with his team to ride a little less today.
Chantra, meanwhile, took the opportunity to complete a significant number of laps. Working on consistency, the Thai rider completed 134 laps of the Italian track on the opening day and 95 on day two. The factory squad tested a variety of electronic and setup solutions, both in preparation for next week’s Aragón round and for the Emilia-Romagna round, which will take place at the Misano track on 12-14 June.
HRC test rider Jonathan Rea was also hard at work with the test team as they continue to develop the CBR1000RR-R. Rea completed a total of 83 laps on Wednesday and 72 on Thursday.
The Honda HRC team will be on the move again next week, heading to Spain’s MotorLand Aragón for round six of the WorldSBK Championship, where Jake Dixon is also expected to rejoin Somkiat Chantra in the garage, with any on-track activity pending the official medical check.
“We’ve completed a two-day test here at Misano, and day one we were able to complete many laps and try many different things. Overall, it was not bad. We worked hard, especially on the electronics side, and tried to do our best with the package we have. On the second day, we also attempted a few time attacks and I’m quite happy because my lap time improved and the feeling was getting better and better. Now we need to keep working and try to take another step at Aragón.”
“We’ve completed a two-day test here at Misano, and day one we were able to complete many laps and try many different things. Overall, it was not bad. We worked hard, especially on the electronics side, and tried to do our best with the package we have. On the second day, we also attempted a few time attacks and I’m quite happy because my lap time improved and the feeling was getting better and better. Now we need to keep working and try to take another step at Aragón.”
“It feels so good to be back with the team. My wrist is still sore and I could only do short runs, but just being back on the bike was great. I’m happy with how it’s gone here; it’s been a good two days at Misano, despite the fact that I couldn’t complete many laps or long runs, as I still need to manage my physical condition carefully. Step by step, we are trying to improve. During the sessions, we used ice treatment and I also worked constantly with my physio, which really helped. Today I completed fewer laps than yesterday because I probably pushed a little too much on day one, so the wrist is still quite sore and swollen, but that’s something we expected. I’m just happy to be back riding again. Now we’ll head to Aragón with the team and see what will be possible there. Realistically, I think it will still take quite some time before I feel close to 100% on the bike again, but we’ll keep building little by little.”
“It feels so good to be back with the team. My wrist is still sore and I could only do short runs, but just being back on the bike was great. I’m happy with how it’s gone here; it’s been a good two days at Misano, despite the fact that I couldn’t complete many laps or long runs, as I still need to manage my physical condition carefully. Step by step, we are trying to improve. During the sessions, we used ice treatment and I also worked constantly with my physio, which really helped. Today I completed fewer laps than yesterday because I probably pushed a little too much on day one, so the wrist is still quite sore and swollen, but that’s something we expected. I’m just happy to be back riding again. Now we’ll head to Aragón with the team and see what will be possible there. Realistically, I think it will still take quite some time before I feel close to 100% on the bike again, but we’ll keep building little by little.”
