Dixon crashes on first MotoGP day but returns to track

Jake Dixon ended his first day on a MotoGP bike at the back of the field after a crash in the morning. The Briton was not seriously hurt and was able to return to the track in the afternoon to complete his programme.

Dixon, riding for HRC, said the crash came just after Alberto Puig had told him not to fall, and he felt he owed the team an apology. He said the team helped him between sessions, explaining how to ride the Honda, including comparing his data with other riders so he could get on the throttle later and refine small details.

Dixon said he made a mistake on his final run into Turn 4 that cost a couple of tenths, and he was about a tenth behind Moreira and four tenths behind Zarco and Marini. He said he did not expect a big step forward the next day and would take it step by step.