Dixon Hits The Ground Running At Donington Test

The first chapter of 2026 began at Donington Park, where Kam Dixon returned to action for a two-day test on the Grand Prix circuit.

After the off-season, this was about more than just lap times. It was the first chance to get properly back into rhythm, to understand where things stood, and to begin shaping a direction for the months ahead.

Few circuits expose that as quickly as Donington. Fast, flowing and unforgiving in equal measure, its 4.02km layout demands total commitment through sections like Craner Curves and the Old Hairpin. Throw in the unpredictability of early April conditions, and it becomes an honest test in every sense.

Building rhythm and understanding

Friday set the tone.

Cool, dry conditions offered a clean starting point, and the focus was exactly where it needed to be. No chasing headlines, no forcing the issue. Just getting back up to speed, working through the programme, and building confidence lap by lap.

The opening session reflected that approach. Eleven laps, a 1:32.626, and a solid second in class, fourth overall. It was measured, controlled, and exactly what you want from the first run of the year.

As the day unfolded, the pace began to come more naturally, even if traffic occasionally made things less straightforward. Donington rarely gives you a clear lap when you want one, but the work being done underneath the lap times was what mattered.

By the second session, that progress was starting to show. Another 13 laps brought a 1:31.763, maintaining fourth overall while moving up to third in class. More importantly, there was a growing consistency and a clearer feel for what the bike was doing through the faster sections.

The final session followed much the same pattern. Another 13 laps, a 1:31.843, and while the positions dipped slightly, the direction of travel didn’t. By this stage, it was about reinforcing the progress already made rather than chasing a headline time.

By the close of play, 37 laps were in the bank. Ninth overall, sixth in class, and, crucially, a solid foundation to build on heading into Saturday.

Turning progress into pace

If Friday was about laying the groundwork, Saturday was about seeing what was possible.

The conditions made sure it wouldn’t be straightforward. Temperatures dropped, the wind picked up, and the occasional spot of rain kept everyone honest. Around Donington, that combination can change the feel of the track corner by corner, particularly through the fast, exposed sections.

It didn’t take long for things to click.

In the opening session, everything came together. Fourteen laps produced a 1:30.910, putting Kam quickest overall in the session and setting what would stand as the fastest time of the entire test. It was the kind of lap that comes when confidence, commitment and machine all line up at once, the result of steady work rather than a sudden leap.

From there, the focus shifted slightly. With conditions continuing to evolve and track position never guaranteed, the second session became more about managing what was there rather than forcing another step. Another 14 laps, a 1:31.188, and solid top-six pace underlined the consistency that had been building throughout the test.

With the key objectives achieved and plenty of mileage already in the bank, the call was made to sit out the final session. There was little to gain and no need to take unnecessary risks.

Across the day, 28 laps were completed, with fifth overall and fourth in class confirming the progress made. More tellingly, the pace shown earlier in the day had already done the job.

Commenting on the test, Kam said:

“It was just nice to get back out properly and get some laps in during the first official test of the year. We made good progress across the two days, and I’m happy with how it all went.

We had a few strong sessions, but there was a lot of traffic at times, and the conditions definitely kept things interesting, especially with the wind. That’s Donington in April, though, you never quite know what you’re going to get.

We tried some good things across the test, and I really enjoyed working with the team. We’re in a good spot, and there’s plenty more to come. I’m looking forward to getting back out at Oulton Park in a few weeks and building on it.”

With the first test of the year complete, attention now turns to Oulton Park on 21st–22nd April, where the work continues ahead of the season opener.

The 2026 campaign begins in earnest at Oulton Park on 2nd–4th May.