A true Texan rodeo tests all four GASGAS riders to the limit at the daunting Circuit of the Americas. After the dust settled from the 34°C heat, and 35mph winds; highlights included Shimoku GASGAS Aspar Team Moto2 rider Jake Dixon securing third place, while Izan Guevara fights back into the Moto3 points for Gaviota GASGAS Aspar
- Shimoku GASGAS Aspar Team Moto2 rider Jake Dixon nails a sensational first podium of his Grand Prix career
- Gaviota GASGAS Aspar Team Moto3 riders grit their way through highs and lows
- Grand Prix racing returns to Europe after four grueling fly-away events
As the saying goes in the USA; “Race fans, are you ready?!” Jake Dixon certainly was. The Shimoku GASGAS Aspar Team Moto2 rider teased his blistering pace last time out in Argentina, and continued to turn up the heat with a stunning first podium of his Grand Prix racing career by taking third place at COTA.
The 26-year-old British rider had been in threatening form all weekend, qualifying in sixth position and consistently leading the way around the 5.5km, 20-turn Circuit of the Americas. Not even 35mph wind gusts could throw Dixon off his form, as he rode a confident race which saw no less than 12 rival riders unable to reach the chequered flag. The emotional result and 16-point Texan point haul, propels Dixon up to seventh in the championship standings.
Teammate Albert Arenas had shown excellent promise throughout the weekend also, having qualified in fifth. Unfortunately a tangle caused principally by rival Marcel Shrotter at turn one, on lap one, pushed Arenas down to 20th place. Working hard to recover, Arenas stayed cool in the 34°C heat to recover back to 11th place by the end of the 18 lap race, snatching five points along the way.
In an unusual switch-up to the weekend’s schedule, the Moto3 field had to wait patiently until the premier class race had concluded. The nervous pause served only to motivate the Gaviota GASGAS Aspar Team riders, not least current championship leader Sergio García. Having qualified in 14th, García stormed off the line, leapfrogging up the order to fifth in just five laps. Frustratingly on lap seven however, he was tagged from behind by rival Daniel Holgado at turn 17. The incident punted García off his GASGAS RC 250 GP machine, and forced the 19 year old to retire from the race two laps later.
Meanwhile team-mate Izan Guevara was toughing through an equally eventful Grand Prix. Having been handed a particularly harsh penalty – meaning two ‘extra’ long lap corners – due to a slight movement before the lights went out at the start of the race. Guevara had it all to do from his 10th place grid slot. Running easily with enough pace to challenge for the podium, the 2020 Moto3 Junior World Champion took his penalties with style, and still managed to battle back to seventh, and secure nine championship points. Guevara now also sits in fourth place in the standings on 37 points.
After a sapping schedule of fly-away races across the Middle-East, Asia and the Americas; Dixon, Arenas, García, and Guevara can enjoy a two week breather, before returning to action closer to home in Europe at the Grande Prémio Tissot de Portugal at Portimao on April 24.
#11 – Sergio García: “I was turning inside, and on the good line, when a rider drew close behind and hit me on the side. I lost control of the front wheel, there was nothing I could do. It was a move that I really cannot understand. I’m frustrated and angry but this can also happen in racing. It wasn’t my fault and nothing I could have done. We’ll look for better results in Portugal.”
#28 – Izan Guevara: “I don’t know what happened at the start but I think I had a small problem with my clutch anyway. Again, bad luck because my rhythm was strong enough to keep with the lead group. It was a shame because it has also hit us in terms of the championship. Two Long laps and I used pretty much all of my tires today. We’ll keep our heads up for the next race.”
#75 – Albert Arenas: “We take five points home but I’m disappointed with the race. I could have done better if it hadn’t been for that contact I had in the first corner, when I was pushed out by a rider behind me and was virtually last. We got back to 11th but I’m mad about it. We’ll keep positive for Portimao which is a track I like. Thanks to the team and congrats to them for the first podium of the season, we’re competitive and we’ll keep pushing for results like those.”
#96 – Jake Dixon: “I know it’s third position but I’ve worked so hard for this – honestly man! All the hours, all the tough races. It has been a tough, tough, three years man; and finally I’m able to show my potential. If I’m honest, from ten laps to go I just rolled out of it. I wasn’t taking any risks, I knew I had eight seconds behind me. I was struggling a little bit – maybe I could have fought for second, but today wasn’t the day. Today was to gain points – and I think people now know I’m here this year and can be a threat at every race!”
Results – 2022 Moto3 World Championship, Round 4:
1. Jaume Masia (KTM) 17 Laps; 2. Dennis Foggia (Honda) +0.172, 3. Andrea Migno (Honda) +0.394, 7. Izan Guevara (GASGAS) 2.887, DNF. Sergio García (GASGAS)
Championship Standings – After Round 4:
1. Dennis Foggia (Honda) 74pts; 2. Sergio García (GASGAS) 58 pts; 3. Andrea Migno (Honda) 41pts, 4. Izan Guevara (GASGAS) 37pts
Results – 2022 Moto2 World Championship, Round 4:
1. Toni Arbolino (Kalex) 18 Laps; 2. Ai Ogura (Kalex) +3.439, 3. Jake Dixon (GASGAS Kalex) +4.787, 11. Albert Arenas (GASGAS / Kalex) +33.475,
Championship Standings – After Round 4:
1. Celestino Vietti (Kalex) 70pts; 2. Ai Ogura (Kalex) 56pts, 3. Tony Arbolino (Kalex) 54pts, 7. Jake Dixon (GASGAS / Kalex) 32pts, 12. Albert Arenas (GASGAS / Kalex) 22pts,