Honda's preparations for the 2026 Superbike season have suffered a serious setback. Somkiat Chantra, currently riding for HRC, was involved in a serious crash during a training session at Sepang, resulting in a broken forearm and successful surgery in Bangkok, but one that will keep him out of the upcoming pre-season tests. Honda needs to react and is looking to its new test rider: Jonathan Rea…
Chantra, who was due to make his Superbike debut after having gone through MotoGP with LCR Hondawill not be able to participate in the trials scheduled at Jerez (January 21–22) and should also miss the session of Portimão (January 28–29).
Faced with this absence, Honda studies options to fill the gap during development testing. One major avenue being considered is that of Jonathan Rhea, six-time Superbike world champion and now test rider for Honda HRC.
Rea, 38 years oldhas officially joined Honda in 2026 as a test driver, after ending his career as a full-time driver at the end of the 2025 season. He is considered a viable option not only for testing but potentially also for the first race of the seasonand Chantra is still not ready to get back in the saddle of the Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP à Phillip Island (February 16–17), just before the opening of the 2026 World Championship (February 20–22.
The role of Sale in Honda recalls his beginnings in the world of racing. Before becoming a legend in WorldSBK, he cut his teeth on machines Honda, particularly in British Superbike and Supersport, which gives a certain symbolic weight to its current collaboration with HRC.
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In his new role, Sale is no longer a full-time competitor, but a key contributor to technical development, leveraging years of experience to help Honda to improve his Superbike.
Si Sale is the most visible solution to date according to GP OneHonda could also consider Ryan Vickers as an alternative. Vickers, pilot of the Honda Racing UK en British Superbike, has already raced in WorldSBK in 2025 on a Ducati Panigale V4 R. with the team Motor racingThis makes him a credible option if the brand decides to field a less experienced replacement who is already familiar with the category.
The absence of Chantra disrupts part of the preparation ofHonda HRCwhose 2026 line was expected to rely on a solid duo with Jake dixonThe lack of testing before the start of the season could hinder the development of the Fireblade SP, already in the midst of its evolutionary phase.
The option Sale, even if it remains temporary, represents a way for Honda to maintain a high level of feedback during testing, and to limit the impact of the flat fee Chantra on the Japanese brand's overall project for 2026.
Somkiat Chantra He underwent surgery after an accident at Sepang and will miss the 2026 SBK tests. He had an operation to reduce a fracture in his right forearm. A plate and screws were inserted to stabilize the bone. Honda studies the use of Jonathan Rea, now a test rider for HRC, as a replacement for testing, and perhaps more. Another option is Ryan Vickerswho has already piloted in World SBK.
