Jake Dixon hopes he can make improvements next time out in Jerez after feeling harshly penalised.

The Dover biker was back racing in Moto 2 following the Covid-19 lockdown, but was forced to take two long laps as a penalty for a jump start at Jerez, eventually finishing 18th.

The penalty means riders have to take a designated route around a corner or section of the circuit which is longer than the racing line, costing them valuable seconds.

“It felt a bit unfair to be penalised,” Dixon said, following the Spanish GP.

“I think it was just a really good start. Theoretically it ruined my race, even thought I did struggle for the first 12 laps with the bike. However, I still wouldn’t have been as far back as I was and I could have at least been in the points.

“We still need to make improvements with the bike but at the moment we can still race within the points.

“When we get the bike right I think you will see me make a big step. The team and I need to make a plan now to improve before the race here next weekend.

“I feel like we ran out of time to try stuff this weekend, especially as a lot of riders know this track well and I don’t. Hopefully next weekend will be better.”

Dixon's Petronas SRT team-mate Xavi Vierge finished 10th.

Jerez hosts the MotoGP once again this coming weekend for the Andalusia Grand Prix.

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