It’s taken Jake Dixon just two races to make his mark at new team Elf Marc VDS Racing after victory in Argentina - and he described the win as one of his career highlights.

The Dover rider, who was seventh in the season opener in Thailand two weeks ago, began Sunday’s Moto2 race at Termas de Rio Hondo from second on the grid and made the better start, passing Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP’s Manuel Gonzalez at turn one.

Four successive fastest laps from lap four opened up a healthy lead over the Spaniard and Dixon was able to manage the advantage to win his fifth Moto2 race by 3.5 seconds. He is second in the standings, 11 points behind Gonzalez.

“You always set out to win but it’s not that easy, especially in Moto2 against these guys,” said a buoyant Dixon. “But this win is up there with the highlights of my career.

“I’m with a new team, riding a new chassis, and that’s always difficult to adapt to. In the last five laps I was reflecting on all the dedication I’ve put in. I’m trying to be a different version of me this year and enjoy the good moments we have, as well as limit the bad ones.

“I want to say a massive thanks to my crew. The Elf Marc VDS team is working fantastically. I can’t thank my boys - Lucio, Micky and Nacho - enough. They work tirelessly and are on another level.”

Dixon’s team-mate, Filip Salac, was running as high as second before dropping down the order and crashing out.

Round three of the championship takes place in Texas for the Red Bull Grand Prix of The Americas on March 30.