Jake Dixon recovers from Qatar crash to close gap in MotoGP

Jake Dixon's factory HRC debut in MotoGP began with a crash just four minutes into the first practice session in Qatar. The Englishman, who now races for HRC in WorldSBK, had earlier slid during a tank-slapper before losing the front a few corners later. He finished the opening session last, 3.148 seconds off the pace, but made significant progress in the evening, cutting more than two seconds from his lap time to finish two tenths behind LCR Honda rider Diogo Moreira.

Dixon, who is replacing Joan Mir, said the HRC engineers had helped him understand the bike between sessions. He also credited Cal Crutchlow, who had watched the crashes from the pits, for offering insight and criticism. "I absolutely love him, though," Dixon told TNT Sports, describing Crutchlow as a great help with his riding.

Johann Zarco was the fastest Honda rider in eighth place, while Dixon's team-mate Luca Marini finished 13th.