A strong start in the United States saw Jake Dixon fourth in the Moto2 combined times on the Shimoku GasGas Aspar.

Just 0.179s separated Dixon from Friday’s fastest lap time despite a morning crash and mistake in his final hotlap effort.

Having limited experience at the Circuit of the Americas following his 2019 crash, the 25-year-old enjoyed a top ten finish in last season’s visit. Just six months later, his promising free practice performance hints there’s more to come as the weekend progresses.

“It was a good day, although the first free practice was difficult,” Dixon admitted from COTA. “I crashed this morning, and to be honest, I was a bit nervous because the last time I was here with the team I had a big crash.

“Everyone goes through worries like this, but the same thing doesn’t happen twice. I am learning day by day from my mistakes, and leaving my worries behind. After that I felt much better.

“On the last lap, which was my fastest lap, I made a mistake, but we are working very well with the team and tomorrow we will continue like this.”