Honda HRC will retain Somkiat Chantra for the 2027 WorldSBK season, keeping the Thai rider alongside Jake Dixon as the championship moves into its first year with Michelin tyres. The decision gives Chantra another season to build on his move from the grand prix paddock to production-based racing.

Chantra’s rookie Superbike campaign has been interrupted by injury, and 13th place remains his best WorldSBK result. He produced the same finishing position during his recent one-off MotoGP return at Motegi, where he also qualified ahead of Luca Marini, HRC’s full-time rider. The performance provided a reminder of Chantra’s speed during a difficult first season in a new championship.

The Honda rider has described the transition as a substantial challenge, involving a new championship, a new motorcycle and many unfamiliar circuits. His adaptation has nevertheless progressed step by step, with Chantra highlighting the experience he has gained and his growing understanding of the CBR1000RR-R SP. He has also thanked Honda HRC for its continued trust, while saying that he sees considerable potential for the partnership to improve and is motivated to achieve stronger results in 2027.

HRC General Manager Taichi Honda said Chantra had approached his first WorldSBK season with commitment and a positive attitude, working closely with the team and its engineers while adapting to the category. He added that continuity in the rider line-up would be important as Honda HRC works to strengthen its WorldSBK project.

Dixon, who also made the move from grand prix racing to WorldSBK this year, currently holds Honda’s best result of the season: sixth place at Cremona. Two rounds remain in the campaign, at Estoril and Jerez, before the team begins preparing for the 2027 Michelin era.