Dixon crashes in MotoGP debut practice, then returns to track

Jake Dixon ended his first day on a MotoGP bike at the back of the pack after a fall in the morning session. The HRC rider was not seriously hurt and was able to return to the track in the afternoon and complete his session.

Dixon said he felt embarrassed by the crash, which came shortly after Alberto Puig had told him not to fall. He said the team helped him between sessions by explaining how to ride the Honda, including comparing his data with other riders on throttle timing and rear brake use.

Dixon described Friday as fun despite the tension, and said a mistake into turn four cost him a couple of tenths on his final run. He is one-tenth behind Moreira and four-tenths behind Zarco and Marini, and said he expects no huge leap forward on Saturday.