Jake Dixon started the Australian Grand Prix in promising fashion as he set the 4^th fastest time in Friday’s Practice session, while Filip Salac ended the day in 18^th.

It was typical Phillip Island weather on Friday as rain battered the legendary track in the morning but stopped ahead of Moto2 FP1 at 9.50 local time. 10 minutes into the session and it was dry enough to run slick tyres.

Ambient temperatures rose moderately in the afternoon to 14 degrees while the rain stayed away. That meant Elf Marc VDS Racing Team riders Jake Dixon and Filip Salac could use all of Practice for race set-up even if there was considerable wind.

The Moto2 lap record was shattered in Practice, with Aron Canet’s previous best from 2024 beaten by over half a second.

Jake Dixon, 4^th – 1’30.607

Jake showed no fear despite the blustery conditions in FP1 as he gradually lowered the fastest time through the session. He ended the morning fastest by 0.06s.

The 29-year old used the first part of Practice to set 13-lap run, which showed a strong rhythm in the low 1’31s.

Despite losing some time in Sector 3, the Briton set the 4^th fastest time late on, 0.3s off new lap record holder Diogo Moreira.

“Overall, it’s been a pretty positive day. My rhythm wasn’t bad and we showed that the speed is there as well. I need a bit more from the bike if I’m being completely honest. I need some more turning to be up there with the fastest guys today. But I’m confident that will come step by step. We’re there or thereabouts to fight for the top five this weekend. That’s the main aim. We’ll keep trying to chip away at it tomorrow and be there challenging for a place on the first two rows tomorrow.”

Filip Salac, 18^th – 1’31.121

Despite setting the 14^th fastest time in FP1, Filip didn’t have the ideal morning. He had a big rear slide, which tweaked the same right shoulder he injured at Assen in June.

Although feeling pain, the 23-year old gritted his teeth for the afternoon when he set the 18^th fastest time even if he had to stop in the box due to some electronics issues.

The Czech rider will now have his shoulder checked to see how he can ride more comfortably on qualifying day tomorrow.

“It was a difficult first day here in Phillip Island. The conditions were a bit tricky in FP1. It was a bit wet at first but then we could go out with the slick tyres. In the last lap I had a big moment and I was able to save it. But I tweaked my shoulder which I hurt at Assen again. It’s really painful. Then in the afternoon the conditions were much better. I did a good lap at the beginning. But I had some electronics problems, which is why I spent some time in the box. In the last exit with the new rear tyre I tried my best. But I didn’t make the best lap. Also, it wasn’t easy putting everything together with the pain I felt in my shoulder. I’ll go to the clinic now to check it because I know it’s going to be a very tough weekend with the shoulder like this. Anyway, let’s see what we can do.”