Former MotoGP rider Somkiat Chantra has revealed the series is “completely different” to WorldSBK after his first official test at Jerez.
Chantra joins the WorldSBK paddock after an unsuccessful stint in MotoGP with the LCR Honda team, during which he scored seven points in his rookie campaign.
Despite being replaced by Diogo Moreira for 2026, the Thai rider continues his partnership with the Japanese marque in WorldSBK.
Chantra completed his first test in his new series at Jerez last week, and admitted both he and the team were “satisfied” with their first efforts.
“For me, it was a great first test with Honda,” Chantra said via Speedweek.
“We worked on many things with the team, and I personally focused on getting to know the bike and the tires better.
“I did a lot of laps and tried to understand everything. Day by day it went better and I was able to improve my lap times.
“We were also able to test a few things – we’re satisfied.”
The 26-year-old finished ninth on both days of testing, beating new team-mate Jake Dixon on the second day of running.
Although he felt comfortable on the bike, Chantra admitted he needed further experience on the Pirelli tyres, which work differently to the Michelins used in MotoGP.
“I need to complete more laps on the bike, also to get a feel for the Pirelli tyres.
“For example, I was still struggling with braking. I need more experience to get a good feel for the front tyre.”
Somkiat Chantra: ‘The MotoGP bike is easier to control’ than WorldSBK machine
In his first test on WorldSBK machinery, Chantra had to battle with the differences between his new bike and his old MotoGP challenger.
Chantra is not the only rider who is switching from MotoGP to WorldSBK, with Miguel Oliveira also joining the championship as a BMW rider.
Both riders will have to adapt to the series and although Chantra admitted he could “use similar settings” to the MotoGP bike on his CBR1000RR-R, he felt the two were worlds apart.
“It’s completely different. I feel the MotoGP bike is easier to control,” he explained.
“However, during the Superbike test, we tried to use similar settings to MotoGP in terms of power delivery, traction control, and engine braking.
“It went quite well today, but we need more time to work on it further.”
Chantra revealed some of the specific details that were different to his MotoGP bike, which were mostly related to stability and control.
The Thai rider also shared that he hopes to refine the electronics ahead of his WorldSBK debut at Phillip Island in February.
“There’s a more direct connection – in terms of traction, slide, and wheelie control. The bike is on a different level,” Chantra emphasized.
“But we still need to complete more laps to refine the electronics setup. We’ll see how it goes at the next test in January.
“I’m really enjoying riding the CBR1000RR-R. The team has been very nice, too.
“Every time I’ve been out on the track, I’ve had fun.”
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