The winter silence is set to be broken once again in Andalusia as the WorldSBK field descends on Jerez for a crucial two-day test. Teams are looking to iron out the wrinkles in their 2026 machinery, with fresh lineups and high-profile rookies taking center stage.
Following a month-long hiatus since the initial preseason shakedown, the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship paddock returns to the tarmac. This second test promises a far more comprehensive look at the 2026 grid compared to the opener. All eyes will be on the newcomers adapting to production-based machinery, with high-caliber talents crossing over from the Grand Prix paddock—including Miguel Oliveira (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) and the Honda HRC duo of Somkiat Chantra and Jake Dixon.
A New Era for BMW
Significant changes are afoot at the German manufacturer. With 2025 World Champion Toprak Razgatlioglu making his sensational switch to MotoGP for 2026 and Michael van der Mark transitioning into a test rider role, BMW enters the test with an entirely revamped rider lineup. Miguel Oliveira brings a wealth of MotoGP pedigree to the project, joined by the seasoned Danilo Petrucci. The Italian, a consistent top-five finisher over the past two seasons, partners with the Portuguese star to form a formidable alliance. Their primary objective will be acclimating to the M 1000 RR and establishing a development direction for the post-Toprak era.
HRC’s Clean Slate: Chantra and Dixon Debut
Honda is ushering in a completely new chapter after four seasons with Iker Lecuona and Xavi Vierge. The factory HRC outfit has placed its faith in Thai star Somkiat Chantra and Britain’s Jake Dixon for the 2026 campaign. The Jerez test marks the first opportunity to see the pair in full Honda WorldSBK colours. While the paddock is buzzing about Jonathan Rea’s romantic return to Honda in a testing capacity, the six-time champion will not be riding at this event; Japanese ace Tetsuta Nagashima will handle testing duties alongside the race riders.
Yamaha Arrives in Force
Yamaha’s presence will be robust, featuring a blend of continuity and fresh blood. Andrea Locatelli and Xavi Vierge (Pata Maxus Yamaha) will be joined by Remy Gardner and Stefano Manzi (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team). All four showed competitive pace during their limited running at the previous test, but this week offers a true measuring stick against a heavily populated 2026 grid.
Bimota: Building on Speed
The Bimota resurgence continues to turn heads. Alex Lowes (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) proved the potential of the KB998 Rimini by clocking the third-fastest time during the last outing in Southern Spain. Lowes and teammate Axel Bassani will join the action on Day 2, focusing on engine and suspension refinement to unlock greater straight-line speed. Test rider Xavi Fores will fly the Bimota flag on Day 1.
WorldSSP: A Champion Returns
The Supersport class sees the return of a titan, as two-time WorldSSP Champion Dominique Aegerter rejoins the field with the Kawasaki WorldSSP Team alongside promising sophomore Jeremy Alcoba. Elsewhere, WRP Racing fields Petr Svoboda and MotoE standout Matteo Ferrari. Italian rider Riccardo Rossi gets his first taste of the Renzi Corse Ducati following Debise’s departure, while Ana Carrasco and Corentin Perolari continue development for Honda Racing World Supersport.
