OPENING DAY COMPLETED FOR SAMA QATAR ÁNGEL NIETO TEAM

Jake Dixon and Xavi Cardelús end first practice sessions with good vibes after learning a new circuit

The intermediate class riders have opened their weekend in Argentina ahead of Round 2 of the 2019 Moto2 World Championship in Termas de Rio Hondo. Tom Luthi was quickest; the Swiss rider, who comes to South America off the back of a podium in Qatar, beat Sam Lowes by just 92 thousandths of a second and Remy Gardner by just over a tenth. Lorenzo Baldassarri, championship leader courtesy of his Losail victory, begins the weekend in seventh place at the end of a day on which no fewer than 20 riders were covered by just one second.

Both Sama Qatar Ángel Nieto Team riders, Jake Dixon and Xavi Cardelús, were pleased with their progress after having to get acquainted with the track. Dixon finished in 27th position in the morning and ended the day 2.2 seconds off the best time; the Englishman hopes to close the gap tomorrow. Cardelús focused on circuit learning, optimising the best lines around the course which is almost five kilometres long. Track action will continue on Saturday.

30th Jake Dixon 1:45.700 (36 laps): “It was a good day today. I knew it wouldn’t be easy because, just like in Qatar, I’m competing against the best riders in the world on a track I don’t know. Luckily in Qatar we had three days of testing beforehand, but we haven’t had that luxury here. Anyway, in both of today’s sessions I’ve got a lot of laps in and haven’t changed the setup of the bike. The lap time isn’t the one I’d really like but I’ll study to see where I can improve the lines. Now it’s time to reset and come back tomorrow, nice and strong, after processing all of this information. That, together with the changes the team will make to the bike, will help us tomorrow.”

32nd Xavi Cardelús 1:46.682 (33 laps): “We have ended Day 1 happy here at Termas, as we have been able to make a good step. In the morning I concentrated on getting to know the circuit, learning the lines and the braking points. We’re just progressing with a step-by-step attitude and we’re quite a lot closer to the guys in front of us, which is important. The team and I are doing a good job, so I’m feeling optimistic and looking forward to tomorrow.”