No ‘specific targets’ for Dixon, home GP ‘special feeling’ - Vierge
This weekend’s fourth round of the 2021 Moto2 championship will be the first of four home races throughout the year for Xavi Vierge, while Jake Dixon comes into the Spanish event following a double DNF.
Vierge was one of the many riders engaged in the podium battle at Portimao, before ultimately finishing seventh.
It was by far the Spaniard’s best and most consistent performance so far this season, and with Vierge not finishing outside the top ten in Jerez since 2017, it could be the boost required to get his and the team’s first podium of 2021.
"I’m really looking forward to this weekend because, of course, it is a home GP so it feels a bit special for me," said Vierge.
"We made a good step forward in the last race and finished so close to the podium, so we will give everything we can to achieve that goal on Sunday.
"It would be really nice to be able to do it at my home GP, it would be extra special.
"I have had some good races in the past at Jerez, including some wins in the Spanish Championship, so I really hope we can achieve a great result this weekend."
For Dixon, it’s been a tough second and third races after a seventh in Qatar to open the season. The former BSB rider had a mid-race crash at turn eight which cut short his progress at the Algarve International Circuit, leaving him 15th in the championship standings.
In his three full seasons in the Moto2 class, Jerez has not been the happiest of venues for the Brit, however, it remains a circuit he enjoys.
Dixon added: "I can’t wait to be back out this weekend in Jerez, although it’s a circuit that hasn’t been kind to me in the past. I’m going there with a new attitude though, I do really like the track and I can’t wait to get going.
"At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter which circuit it is because I just really enjoy riding my bike.
"It’s a track I know this weekend, unlike last time out in Portugal, so I hope I can get into a good flow there.
"I don’t have any specific targets, just to get into a good rhythm and see what results come my way."