Jake Dixon believes his past experience in British Superbikes will play a role in his adaptation from Moto2 to WorldSBK in 2026.
The British rider embarks on his next career chapter in Jerez on Wednesday and Thursday, testing the Honda for the first time after agreeing to join the Japanese outfit in 2026.
Dixon is no stranger to Superbike machinery as he finished runner-up in BSB in 2018, which paved the way for his inevitable step up to Moto2.
While BSB is known for operating without key electronic aids such as traction control, unlike WorldSBK, the seven-time Moto2 winner remains confident that his experience on production motorcycles will still serve him well.
“I think the saving grace is, honestly, that I have had Superbike experience,” Dixon shared to Crash.net.
“Yes, eight years ago, but I still know the fundamentals of what you need to ride one. Yes, a World Superbike is slightly different [from British Superbikes], but, like I said, I’ve learnt so much here.
“It’s not that World Superbikes is at a low level by any means. It’s a f**king high level. Look at Toprak. The top ten are all real, real fast.
“I think what’s slightly different [is] those bikes aren’t on a knife-edge. Here you’re on a knife-edge with the chassis, being so stiff. The Grand Prix prototype bikes are so different to riding a street bike.
“So when people come from here and jump on a Supersport, they excel a lot more because they think, ‘f**k, the window’s so much bigger’. And I think that’s the same in Superbike terms… it’s a bit more forgiving.”
Jake Dixon feels he’s now a ‘baby’ in WorldSBK
Dixon’s career in prototype bike racing may be coming to an end at the age of 29, but this highlights the stark age disparity between the two series.
While he was considered one of the older riders in the Moto2 paddock, he will be among the youngest in WorldSBK.
After a seven-year stint in the intermediate class, Dixon has ridden for Suter, KTM, Kalex, and Boscoscuro.
“It’s quite an ageist space because at 29, going to Superbike, I’m a baby now,” he joked.
“But I’ve learnt so, so much. When I came here, I didn’t do certain techniques like I’m doing now.
“So I’m quite versatile with what I can ride, which is good leading into Superbike. I’m really excited for the next project.”
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