Sama Qatar Angel Nieto’s Jake Dixon says he’s “sad not to be racing” after being forced out of the upcoming Gran Premio Red Bull de España due to not fully recovering from a crash during free practice at the Grand Prix of the Americas.
The British rider suffered a heavy knock to the head in Austin and was subsequently ruled out of the race and further checks back in the UK have led to the Moto2™ debutant deciding to sit out of round four of the World Championship after consultation with his team and doctors.
Mattia Pasini will replace Dixon for the race at Circuito de Jerez - Angel Nieto, following a fourth place finish in Austin whilst riding for the Flexbox HP 40 squad in place of Augusto Fernandez. Pasini previously raced for the team in the 125cc class back in 2006, when he scored two wins and a total of six podiums to finish the season on 192 points – his best ever tally in a World Championship.
What a comeback for @MattiaPasini in 4th! ????
— MotoGP™ ???????? (@MotoGP) April 14, 2019
Championship leader @7balda is among the first to congratulate his stand-in teammate! ????#AmericasGP ???????? pic.twitter.com/V7GwH2Mqcd
Dixon is understandly disappointed to be missing the first round on European soil: “I am sad not to be racing at Jerez and sad for my team for all of the hard work they have put in. As hard as it is and will be to sit this one out, I know this is the right option for long term safety for myself.
“I have been to see specialists here in the UK and had relevant observations and tests, the last visit concluded that I was still unfit to ride. I’m a racer, I want to race, but for now I rest and do the relevant exercises I have been given so I can come back strong."
Meanwhile, Pasini is excited by the challenge ahead: "I am very happy to be riding at Jerez. It will be a different race to Austin because I am changing bikes and I have never ridden a KTM before. Hopefully I can find a good feeling quickly and I will work hand in hand with the team from the first moment to see what result we can aim for. I think we can do well but we will see how it goes over the weekend."