Racing returns for Vierge and Dixon with Qatar Moto2 Grand Prix

Last weekend's Official Moto2 test was a positive one for many, but perhaps none more than Petronas Sprinta Racing duo Xavi Vierge and Jake Dixon. 

Following pre-season tests at Jerez and Portimao, the three days of running at Losail provided the final opportunity for teams and riders to gather important data ahead of what promises to be another thrilling Moto2 season. 

Petronas have one of the strongest rider pairings heading into the season with Vierge and Dixon. Vierge has finished the last four Moto2 Qatar races inside the top ten, and his pace through testing suggests that could be the case again. 

Speaking about the season opener in Qatar, Vierge said: "Riding in the night conditions at Qatar is really nice because with the lights it’s almost like riding in the day, but the pictures afterwards are always amazing.

"It’s nice to have a race like this. My best result so far has been eighth, but this year I think we can finish much higher than this. I think we can stay near the front and fight for the podium.

"We’ve been focused on that throughout the pre-season Qatar test and I am confident that we are ready for that fight."

Both riders topped an individual test session in Doha and look in good shape, but for Dixon it will be a return to racing after the wrist injury suffered in Valencia that caused him to miss the final three races of 2020. 

The former BSB rider quickly emerged at the mid-season point into a consistent podium challenger, and will be hoping to build on his promising second season in the intermediate category. 

"It was great to be back with the team and riding the bike at the Qatar test, now I just can’t wait to get riding again this weekend," said Dixon.

"Although we had a good test, I don’t want to give myself too many expectations, we need to see what my wrist is like over race distance.

"I don’t want to give myself a target for the race, I just want to go with the flow, enjoy it and see what happens.

"I’m just hungry to keep going now I’ve been back on the bike."