Moto2 Test: Jake Dixon and Xavi Vierge secure top five finishes at Losail
Petronas Sprinta Racing were one of the standout teams from the three days of Official testing in Qatar, with Jake Dixon and Xavi Vierge a consistent presence at the front.
Dixon came on strong in the latter half of the 2020 season and is a firm championship favourite heading into the new season.
It has been a difficult off-season for the Brit following his wrist injury suffered in Valencia, but the 25 year-old has so far shown no effects of the wrist problems during testing.
Dixon was ultra consistent in the Qatar test, with top five finishes in five out of six sessions where he completed a lap.
Speaking after the test, Dixon said: "It’s been a great test and just being back on the bike was the main thing for me. I’m really enjoying riding and I just need to say a massive thank you to everyone involved who has got me back.
"It’s so good to be back with the team; they’re amazing, the bike’s amazing and I can’t wait to get started with race week now.
"I’ve really enjoyed every lap from every day and I can’t wait to do more laps next weekend. I'm just hungry to keep going, keep building and enjoy the Qatar race."
Team-mate Vierge has also been very impressive during the test ahead of his seventh season in Moto2.
The Spanish rider topped the second day's final session, before concluding the test one place behind Dixon in fifth.
"I’m so happy. We have made another step forward and improved the feeling in hot conditions," said Vierge.
"In Qatar it is important to be competitive in many conditions because it can change so fast. Now we are really ready.
"We came here with many things to try and I think that everything we have tried has been positive. This was so important to do. I have to thank the team as they have done a great job and I’m really looking forward to starting the season.
"We have seen that it is really tight, there are maybe 12 riders that are so close, but I’m confident that we are ready to fight next weekend."
