Jake Dixon started the first Argentine GP since 2023 on the front foot by setting the 3^rd fastest time of Friday, while Filip Salac has work to do after finishing 18^th.

The Moto2 World Championship returned to Argentina for the first time since 2023 this week, with Elf Marc VDS Racing Team riders Jake Dixon and Filip Salac having two sessions to refamiliarise themselves with the Termas de Rio Hondo Circuit on Friday.

Conditions in northern Argentina have been cooler than previous years. After heavy rain overnight, the track was damp during FP1 but completely dry for the afternoon’s Practice session. Ambient temperatures were a moderate 20 degrees.

Moto2 Practice was red flagged with just over 1 minute to go due to a crash for Alonso Lopez at Turn 3, which deprived several riders of posting a final flying lap.

Jake Dixon, 3^rd – 1’41.888

The 4.81km layout was damp during FP1. Jake was fast with wet tyres fitted before the track dried sufficiently for slicks. He then set the 3^rd fastest time, with the pace some 2.3s off lap record pace.

Jake spent the first part of Practice working on his race rhythm. And the Briton was seriously impressive as he posted an rapid 12-lap run with 6 laps in the low 1’42s.

Having spent the majority of the session in 1^st, Dixon improved late on with his best time good enough for 3^rd, 0.17s off pace setter Manuel Gonzalez.

“Every day’s a school day and I’m really excited to see what we can do tomorrow”

“It was a really good day. It’s a track I’ve always liked and I’ve always gone well here. As a team we’re constantly improving. Race by race we’re trying to get a little bit better. I’m experienced enough now to know when to switch it on and when not to. I’m trying to be smart with my decision making, which I’m doing so far. Also, we’re evolving with the bike and the team. Today was great but tomorrow’s another day and we need to reset, reassess our goals and go again. Every day’s a school day and I’m really excited to see what we can do in qualifying.”

Filip Salac, 18^th – 1’42.866

In tricky morning conditions, Filip saw no reason to risk it on a dirty track with low grip, meaning he finished FP1 in 15^th.

The Czech rider posted a 10-lap run in the first half of Practice, and is still seeking some improvements after managing just 1 lap in the 1’42s.

The 23-year old was pushing for a fast time late on when the red flags came out, leaving him in 18^th. It means he will go through Q1 tomorrow afternoon.

“I’ll do my best to be there in Q2 with the fastest guys”

“It was a difficult day here because the conditions in the first session weren’t ideal. It wasn’t fully wet but it wasn’t fully dry. We went out in the first half with wet tyres and then were able to put slicks toward the end. But the track wasn’t really ready for pushing 100%. In the Practice session I felt quite good. I did my best lap time with 8 laps on the tyre. When we put the 2^nd tyre in, we also made a change to the bike. We need to analyse what happened because I was struggling with the rear and wasn’t able to post a fast lap. I think the average lap time wasn’t bad but then we had the red flag. Unfortunately, I’ll be in Q1 tomorrow but I’ll do my best to be there in Q2 with the fastest guys.”