Dixon extends contract with Petronas Sprinta Racing for another season
KUALA LUMPUR: British rider Jake Dixon will remain with the Petronas Sprinta Racing team as they prepare to mount an improved challenge in the Moto2 category of the 2021 Motorcycle Grand Prix (MotoGP) World Championship.
Team director Johan Stigefelt said in a statement yesterday they were pleased to retain the services of the 24-year-old Briton, who displayed a great progression from one race to another since joining the team early this season.
Dixon will team up with Spaniard Xavi Vierge, who committed his future with the Malaysia-based team for another season recently.
“The progress that Jake has made from the first race this year to now has been amazing and exceeded all expectations,” Stigefelt said.
“When we saw his steep upward curve in performance, we decided that we couldn’t let him go after only one year. Jake will only continue to become stronger in the second year, with the same team and crew around him. It’s good for the team and the championship,” he stressed.
Dixon was also delighted to continue riding for the team, vowing to give his best in the four remaining races this season -- the Teruel GP at the Aragon Circuit, Spain from Oct 23-25; European GP (Nov 6-8) and Valencia GP (Nov 13-15) at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit, Spain; and the Portugal GP at the Algarve International Circuit (Nov 20-22).
“It makes sense for both parties to be continuing, as it’s only my first season with the team, and the Kalex chassis, this year and we’re only (going) to get stronger together,” said Dixon.
“… I think we can seriously consider mounting a title challenge in 2021.
“I’m really happy and I just want to say a massive thanks to everyone at Petronas Sprinta Racing and all our partners for the confidence in me and for making this happen... I hope to do you proud!”
Recently, the Dover-born rider achieved a season-best result when he finished fourth at the recent Aragon GP at the Aragon Circuit in Spain. He also scored his maiden top-10 finish after coming in eighth at the Styrian GP in Red Bull Ring Circuit in Austria in August.