Dixon in the groove after promising Portugal opening
Jake Dixon finished 2nd in both of Friday’s sessions at the Algarve International Circuit and feels confident for his weekend prospects while Filip Salac was 15th.
The spectacular Algarve International Circuit hosted Friday’s two sessions as Elf Marc VDS Racing Team riders Jake Dixon and Filip Salac prepared for the penultimate Moto2 race of the season.
The weather played a role in the afternoon as a light showed arrived with 15 minutes of the Practice session remaining. When the rain stopped and track dried out, two crashes at the close of the session brought out the yellow flags, meaning few riders could improve their times.
The all-important qualifying day will see Jake and Filip on track at 9.25 local time on Saturday for Moto2 FP2 and then qualifying which starts at 13.40.
Jake Dixon, 2nd – 1’41.402
Keen to maintain the momentum from Sepang, where he scored his third victory of the year, Jake started the day in promising fashion by setting the 2nd fastest time of FP1, just 0.1s back of Aron Canet.
The 29-year old then used Practice to post a 14-lap run as preparation for Sunday’s race. Jake was able to maintain a strong rhythm in the mid-low 1’42s with used tyres.
On his first flying lap of that run, Jake posted the 2nd fastest lap of the day with a time that was under the previous lap record.
“A really good day! From the beginning of the weekend, I’ve been feeling good. I’m just trying to put in as many laps as possible whether I’m fast or slow. There are still things we need to work on but I’m giving my maximum on every lap and leaving nothing out there. Overall, I’m satisfied and feel like I’m in the groove. I’ve got the flow going so I’m confident that we’ll definitely be fighting at the front this weekend.”
Filip Salac, 15th – 1’42.158
Filip had a solid start to the day even if he didn’t have the ideal feeling with the front of his bike in FP1, as he set the 14th fastest time.
The Czech rider didn’t post his ideal lap time during the first half of Practice and was 15th when the rain shower arrived.
The 23-year old took to the track late on to find a late improvement but his attempts were frustrated by finding yellow flags with just moments to spare.
“It wasn’t a bad first day here in Portimao. We didn’t find the right feeling with the front part of the bike. Still, we were quite fast in both of today’s sessions. Unfortunately, this afternoon I didn’t set the ideal lap time during my first outing. Then the rain started and when I went out again there were some yellow flags. It’s a big shame but I was enjoying riding out there. Let’s see what changes we can make for tomorrow and we’ll aim for the best qualifying place possible.”