Petronas Sprinta Racing’s Jake Dixon sat fourth in the Moto2 times after Friday practice for the Emilia Romagna GP.
Dixon was immediately up to speed on his return to the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli, claiming second early in the first 45-minute session before a turn 16 crash on his following lap derailed his progress. He ended FP1 28th with a 1’52.216 lap.
Unfazed by the crash, the 25-year-old emulated his strong start once again for FP2 hitting the top-three, before momentarily holding the fastest lap. His final flying lap, a 1’41.446 saw him end the day fourth, narrowly behind teammate Xavi Vierge and two ahead of fellow Brit Sam Lowes.
“I crashed on the second lap in FP1, which wasn’t ideal, and then because of my crash we had a problem with the bike,” Dixon admitted on Friday.
“In the end I only completed four laps in the session, but that was down to me. I felt really good on that first lap, so that was a good indication, and then the beginning of the second session was wet. I felt really good in both that condition and when it was drying at the end.
“I finished the day fourth, so I’m happy with that and looking forward to tomorrow. I think we’re heading in the right direction, not just from today but from the last few weekends, and I’m really enjoying being on the bike.
"I’d like to be on the front two rows tomorrow, because it can be difficult in Moto2 to have a strong race if you don't start that high up. My pace in recent races has been similar to the top five riders, but I haven’t been able to start where I need to.”
