Jake Dixon insists that the Honda CBR1000RR-R has the potential to fight for top-six positions, despite the manufacturer securing its first top-10 finish of the 2026 WorldSBK season. The British rider finished ninth in Race 1 at the Italian WorldSBK, a bright spot in what has been a challenging campaign for Honda.
However, Dixon believes the result could have been even better had he not crashed on his first timed lap in Superpole, forcing him to start from 18th on the grid. "Unfortunately I made a mistake in qualifying, so starting far back," Dixon told WorldSBK.com. "I want to apologise to the team first and foremost because this weekend they've given me a great package to be fighting around sixth, seventh position and I just made a mistake."
Despite the setback, Dixon put in a strong ride to break into the top 10. He felt he had the pace to challenge further up but struggled to pass rivals in the crucial stages. "I got stuck behind Bassani and Locatelli. It was frustrating because I had more pace, but in that one area that I needed to be strong I wasn't strong," he explained. "I tried everything, but then in the end I had to start to defend from Bautista behind."
Part of the improved performance, according to Dixon, comes from his own fitness. He admits he hasn't been fully fit for much of the season, which has hindered the team's progress. "I'm getting fit, I think is the main thing," he said. "They haven't had me fit and I haven't raced a lot this year. I think, naturally, what you saw at the beginning of the year with test riders jumping on and replacement riders, they were never able to give the full potential of the bike."
Dixon also emphasised the need for more aggressive development. "We have done some good work, and we are figuring things out as we go this year. Step-by-step we are making good progress, but we need to be faster, we need to be more aggressive with the progress that we are making. Right now I think the bike's good for seventh, eighth, but we need much more," he stated.
The result in Italy offers a glimmer of hope for Honda, who have struggled in the midfield. With the season still ongoing, Dixon hopes to build on this performance and help Honda achieve better results. "It was a fun race to come from where we came from, and I enjoyed it and hopefully we can improve for tomorrow's race," he concluded.
Dixon's achievement is also a testament to the team's ongoing efforts to develop the CBR1000RR-R. Although they are not yet challenging at the front, the potential shown by Dixon is a positive sign that Honda can become competitive again in WorldSBK. Honda has yet to score a podium this season, but with a fit rider and proper development, they could challenge the top positions in the coming races.
Baca Juga
Iker Lecuona dominan di Race 1 WorldSBK Cremona, tapi waspadai Nicolo Bulega yang disebut selalu menemukan sesuatu. Simak analisis dan kutipannya.
Danilo Petrucci menerima tawaran BMW untuk kembali ke MotoAmerica 2027 dan menjadi test rider setelah kehilangan kursi WorldSBK. Peluangnya fifty-fifty.
Iker Lecuona menangi Race 1 WorldSBK Cremona, tunda gelar Nicolo Bulega. Bulega finis kedua, Lowes ketiga. Gelar dipastikan besok di Race 2.
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