Jake Dixon is absolutely convinced: “I could be up there with the leaders in MotoGP”

A MotoGP bike is in a league of its own – thanks to its 300 PS, sophisticated aerodynamics, height-adjustable suspension and brakes. In a nutshell: no other motorbike is as efficient or as fast. Even world-class riders need some practice and time to ride it at the limit.

Jake Dixon, a factory rider for Honda Racing Corporation in the World Superbike Championship, was called up by the Japanese manufacturer last weekend at the Lusail Circuit in Qatar to stand in for the ill Joan Mir. The Englishman was thrown in at the deep end, having never ridden this bike before. Nevertheless, he managed to finish ahead of Maverick Viñales (Red Bull KTM Tech3) in qualifying and, at times, was on a par with his rivals in both races. Riding errors and a lack of experience with the Michelin tyres meant that he crossed the finish line last on both occasions.

“I’ve proved that I can put in a good lap time,” Dixon summarised. “How far was I off the pole time? 1.6 seconds. And they broke the record in the end. I was about 1.1 seconds off the old record. I’m happy with all these little things, but the racer in me wants more.”

Cal Crutchlow helped, criticised and praised

In Qatar, Dixon had his compatriot Cal Crutchlow by his side, who supported him with tips, criticised him, but also praised him. “As much as Cal teases me – and as much as he teases everyone else – he speaks a lot of truth when he talks,” remarked the MotoGP rookie. “He said to me: ‘Of all these riders here: if any of them were to get on your bike in the World Superbike Championship, they wouldn’t manage what you’ve achieved this weekend.’ He was trying to tell me that I need to bear that in mind. And he knows what he’s talking about, because he’s ridden this bike himself this year.”

I thought to myself, this might be my last time.

Jake Dixon

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Over the course of the weekend, Dixon completed 74 laps – the equivalent of a full day’s testing. That’s why he said: “I couldn’t imagine doing any better. When I was doing the formation lap in the Grand Prix, I thought to myself, this could be my last time – so I’m going to savour the moment. Above all, I’ve proved to myself that I could be up there with the leaders if I had the time here. I can feel it. I know it’s easy to say that, but I believe it deep down. One hundred per cent, because I started right at the bottom and eventually made it to the very top. What a fantastic weekend – it’s gone by far too quickly.”

Jake Dixon believes his best days are still ahead of him

It was only the third time in his life that the seven-time Moto2 GP winner had competed in a MotoGP weekend. In 2021, Dixon stepped in for the injured Franco Morbidelli at the Silverstone and Aragon rounds with the then Yamaha satellite team, Petronas SRT. “I can hardly remember that,” admitted Jake, who is therefore unable to draw any comparisons between the Yamaha and the Honda. “I’m more experienced, more mature and older. When I come to the Grand Prix, it’s only now that I feel I’m slowly reaching my peak. When you start road racing so late, at around 14, your peak naturally comes much later. Unlike those who start at the age of four and reach it sooner. I feel like I’m only just really getting into my stride; I’m riding really well.”

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