MotoGP Phillip Island: ‘Lack of grip’ curtails Dixon’s progress in Q2

Jake Dixon failed to capitalise on his rapid Friday at Phillip Island after struggling on Saturday, the Inde GasGas Aspar rider claiming 14th in Moto2 qualifying for the Australian GP.

A top five as FP3 completed on Saturday morning secured the Brit’s place in the pole shootout and looked to confirm Dixon’s front running pace after commanding the opening day but a repeat in Q2 was not to be.

His final flying effort left unfinished due to red flags for local widelife as the session drew to a close meant his initial 1’33.241 determined his grid position, with the 26-year-old lining up 14th and on the fifth row for Sunday’s 25-lap race.

“After such a good day like yesterday, today is not the best,” Dixon admitted from Australia. “This morning went well, although I struggled a bit with the grip on the bike.

“This afternoon I noticed a lot the lack of grip and I couldn’t get back to the speed I had in free practice. I didn’t get an ideal position, but tomorrow in the race I will try to give my best.”