Jake Dixon scored good points for 7^th on his debut for the Elf Marc VDS Racing Team in extreme conditions at the Chang International Circuit, while Filip Salac rallied to take 9^th.

The first Moto2 race of 2025 put new team-mates Jake Dixon and Filip Salac’s preseason preparation to the test as they raced in punishing track temperatures of 57 degrees.

The enthusiasm for the 2025 curtain raiser was electric in Thailand, with 99,778 spectators showing up at the Chang International Circuit on Sunday to watch the first Moto2 race of the year.

In challenging conditions Jake and Filip finished as the top 2 Boscoscuro chassis in the race, which signals a promising start for Elf Marc VDS Racing Team’s new relationship with the Italian manufacturer.

Jake Dixon, 7^th

Starting from 8th on the grid, Jake had action-packed start to the race as he fought with Barry Baltus and Diogo Moreira. The Briton ended the first lap in ninth.

After gaining two places on lap four, the 29-year old started to reel in Baltus and Marcos Ramirez in the fight for 6^th. Ultimately, the extensive heat made attempting an overtake very difficult and he scored excellent points for 7^th.

The result starts the season in 7^th in the championship with 9 points.

“A difficult race due to the hot conditions. But we said between fifth and eighth was our aim and I’m really happy to finish the race on a positive. We’re not quite where we need to be but fifth was just in front of me for most of the race. The risk wasn’t worth it so I took seventh today which was a good thing when I was struggling physically in the final laps. It’s a solid start, we scored some good points and I’m confident we’ll only get better from here. Now I’m looking forward to moving on to Argentina where we’ll keep building.”

Filip Salac, 9^th

Filip had a brilliant start when coming through from 16^th on the grid but had close contact with another rider on the first lap, which meant he ended lap one in 13^th.

Having climbed to 11^th, a mistake on lap 9 saw the 23-year old lose 2 positions. But the Czech rider persevered despite the intense heat to pass Alonso Lopez on the last lap to secure 9^th.

Filip kicks of the season in 9^th in the World Championship with 7 points.

“First race done in a very hot Buriram. After yesterday my goal was to score points and get into the top ten. That would be a great result after how I felt yesterday. I had a good start but then had contact with Alonso Lopez at Turn 5 and I was so close to crashing. Then I made a mistake and ran off track. I was losing the front like yesterday and thought the race wouldn’t get better. Then I changed my riding style and I was passing riders in front quite easily. I was confident and comfortable. In the last six laps Lopez was in front and I wanted to pass him but I was dying physically. I said to myself, ‘Breathe on the straight’ but it was like a sauna. I’ve never had a race like this. In the end I passed him on the last lap so I’m happy how I finished. Jake finished seventh. We scored good points for the team and started the season well. We were the top two Boscoscuros today which is great and you can see how hard we’ve worked over the winter. Thanks to all the team for their work this weekend.”