MotoGP Mandalika: ‘Second chance’ for Dixon, confident of learning layout fast

Inde GasGas Aspar’s Jake Dixon heads to Indonesia as long-haul races return to the Moto2 World Championship programme.

Unlike MotoGP, the intermediate class has yet to experience the Mandalika International Street Circuit, with Friday’s opening practice bringing Dixon’s first opportunity to asses the layout. The Brit is confident, however, after his previous positive performances at new tracks and his ability to come out fighting from the off.

The 26-year-old is excited for the weekend ahead after showing promise during Qatar’s season-opening weekend, despite a first lap incident preventing him from capitalising fully on his third row start. “The pace in Qatar was good to fight for the podium, but the first lap was a disaster,” Dixon confirmed from Lombok Island. “We are in a long season, there are 20 races left and this is not how it starts, but how it ends.

“This weekend we have a second chance at a new track, and I want to think that I am one of the best riders when it comes to learning a new circuit.”