Solid start for Vierge in Valencia; Dixon injured

2020-11-09 13:04
PETRONAS Sprinta Racing’s Xavi Vierge started the European GP with 12th place, at a damp and drying Circuit Ricardo Tormo. Unfortunately Moto2 team-mate Jake Dixon will miss the European GP after fracturing his right wrist in FP2.

Vierge steadily and consistently improved his lap times in the damp conditions at Circuit Ricardo Tormo during the first half of FP1. The Spaniard ended the 40 minutes with a best time of 1min 50.871secs, which placed him 21st. Xavi had a stronger run in FP2, staying at the sharp end of the times throughout the session. With a best time of 1min 37.338secs, Vierge ended the day 12th.

Team-mate Dixon, who was suffering from a stomach ache, made the decision to sit out of the morning’s Free Practice 1 session. Jake was immediately up to speed in FP2 and set the second fastest time in the opening minutes. Unfortunately the Brit’s European GP has come to an early end, after sustaining a fractured right wrist in a Turn 4 crash. Dixon will fly to England tomorrow for further medical checks and x-rays to understand the extent of his injuries.

Free Practice 3 will get underway for Vierge tomorrow at 11.55am local time (6.55pm MYT), with Moto2 qualifying due to start at 3.50pm local time (10.50pm MYT).






Xavi Vierge
12th (1'37.338)





It was a really difficult day. FP1 was wet, I didn’t have the best feeling on the bike and my injury hasn’t helped. I have to be careful not to crash, because if I do I am likely to worsen my injuries. I played it safe in FP1, and then FP2 was tricky because there were wet patches still on the circuit, like we had at Le Mans. Overall my feet are feeling much better than they were and I’m working with the team on how we can improve the rear of the bike. It was important to be in the Q2 positions today, as it looks like it will rain tomorrow. I hope the conditions will be better tomorrow and of course, we’ll be aiming for Q2 and a good grid position.

I feel sorry for Jake because the conditions today were so difficult and he has been doing an incredible job in the last few races and has made a lot of progress. I hope he makes a speedy recovery.

Source: SIC Racing Team

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