Jake Dixon says “it wouldn’t look good” if he turned down Petronas SRT’s offer to make a shocking MotoGP debut at the British Grand Prix this weekend.
The former British Superbike star and current SRT Moto2 rider has been drafted to replace Cal Crutchlow at SRT, who in turn would replace the injured Franco Morbidelli.
However, last week’s expulsion of Maverick Vinales from the Yamaha factory team prompted the Japanese brand to replace their test rider in the Spaniard’s position – and open the door for Dixon to make his debut in front of his home fans.
Dixon is one of the names associated with a seat in the new team that will be created in 2022 under the current SRT leadership.
Also read:
The Brit’s MotoGP calls come amid a difficult season in Moto2, where he only finished in the top 10 all year round and finished seventh at the Qatar GP.
Jake Dixon, Petronas Sprinta Racing
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
When asked about his motivation for accepting SRT’s offer, Dixon said, “Yes, people will always have their opinion, right or wrong.
“When is the right time? Personally, I think Moto2 has obviously been a difficult season for me so far, but things have changed, I’ve started to regroup. I think realistically that if we were to speak Moto2 terms I could have done a really good job fighting in the top 5.
“But if the opportunity presents itself, you will of course never turn down a MotoGP ride. I think it wouldn’t be a great thing, it wouldn’t look good.
“So I have a lot of motivation, I’ve ridden large motorcycles before, even though a MotoGP motorcycle is very different from what I’ve ridden before. But I am ready to experience some power again. “
Dixon says the fact that he will be making his MotoGP debut without having tested the Yamaha beforehand means that there is no expectation to be placed on his shoulders this weekend.
“Yes, of course it’s fantastic and of course thanks to Petronas for giving me the opportunity to ride the MotoGP bike and do it at Silverstone is something special,” he said. “I think if anyone could make their debut they would do it at home.
“So, yeah, I can’t wait and it’s going to be great because we’re going to have a full crowd and the Silverstone circuit seems to suit the Yamaha in the past. Cant wait it will be a tremendous learning curve but I am ready to take it on and see what we can do.
“I’ve had a few sleepless nights. It’s definitely excitement, but it’s also times of nervousness.
“I have no expectations, it’s obviously a massive learning curve and I can’t expect anything.”