Xavi Vierge and Jake Dixon set targets for the return to racing

PETRONAS Sprinta Racing Moto2 riders Xavi Vierge and Jake Dixon are eager for racing action to resume this weekend at Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto, after the enforced break following the Qatar GP.

At the first race of the season Xavi showed good form aboard his Triumph-powered Kalex, finishing ninth and collecting valuable points. The Spaniard will be looking to increase his championship point tally at a circuit he knows well. Team-mate Dixon was also able to collect points from the first round in March at Losail International Circuit after finishing 14th.

The pairing are gearing up for the first Moto2 race in 126 days and are ready to undertake the challenges that this 2020 season will entail, which sees 13 grand prix weekends between now and 15 November. Xavi and Jake will also have to contend with new protocols in the paddock and a reduced team presence due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

The PETRONAS Sprinta Racing Moto2 riders will make their track return at the one day test on Wednesday at 1140 CEST/1740 MYT. The weekend’s action will see Xavi and Jake’s qualifying begin at 1505 CEST/2105 MYT Saturday, with Sunday’s race due to start at 1220 CEST/1820 MYT.

Xavi Vierge
My first target will be to reacquaint myself with my bike at the test and get back up to speed with it; it’s been nearly four months since I rode my race bike: We spend less time away from the bike over the winter break! Luckily the first GP is Jerez and everyone knows Jerez as we would normally train here two or three times a year, so everyone should adapt and be fast again quite quickly. We need to be clever, minimise mistakes and enjoy being able to race again. I don’t think the challenge will be too great, as I have been riding a lot of different bikes recently. It’s a really good feeling to be going back again, but also really strange because normally from March we start and don’t stop! In the pre-season test at Jerez earlier this year I had a really good feeling with the bike and we were fast, so I’m really confident we can replicate this. I really like this track and I’m looking forward to being able to start racing again.

Jake Dixon
Obviously the realisation is setting in now that we are going to be back racing and that’s a really good feeling. I’ve had a lot of time to prepare myself and I’ve been training hard over the lockdown period, so I just want to get going now! I’m working to the same targets that we had in Qatar: to be in the points and improve our performance every weekend. I don’t think it will be too tough after a couple of days as everyone will be back up to speed and riding fast again. Looking at the races ahead, it’s going to be demanding on the body as we’ve got a lot of races in a short amount of time. It’s good though as we’ll be able to get into a strong rhythm, but you’ve got to try and stay injury free. I’m just very ready to be racing again now!