MotoGP Argentina: Dixon ‘happy enough’ with fifth

Autosolar GasGas Aspar’s Jake Dixon will start his return to the Argentinian GP from fifth on the Termas de Rio Hondo Moto2 grid.

A rollercoaster season continued for Dixon with a delayed start to the third race weekend of the year after logistics issues prevented the delivery of cargo from Indonesia, with numerous teams missing bikes and kit until the early hours of Saturday.

Mandalika’s pole position was backed up by the fifth fastest lap of the Termas track, just one place behind teammate Albert Arenas, after just two 50-minute practice sessions in quick succession on the opening morning. Despite feeling a lack of confidence with his Aspar set-up at the South American layout, due in part to the quickly changing temperatures, dusty surface and lack of preparation time, the 26-year-old maintained his front running position throughout the day.

Completing FP2 in the top three, and seventh overall, Dixon comfortably secured his place directly into the Q2 shootout. Despite admitting his hot lap was far from perfect, he was nevertheless rewarded with a fifth place start, with tyre-life the remaining question mark for Sunday’s 23-lap race.

“It has been a good, but difficult day,” Dixon admitted from Argentina.

“I haven’t felt amazing on the bike this weekend, but it’s expected: some weekends are more difficult than others.

“I am happy enough with P5. I made one mistake on my fast lap. I just want a consistent race tomorrow. Let’s see what we can do tonight, to try and help me save the tyre a little bit better tomorrow.”