First Moto2 pole 'feels so good', is Jake Dixon the man to beat in Mandalika?

The GASGAS Aspar rider has without question put himself in a brilliant position as he attempts to win his first-ever Moto2 race since joining the category in 2019. 

Dixon, who impressed on the first of two MotoGP replacement rides at Silverstone last season, has shown serious pace all weekend as he looks to make up for the disappointment of Qatar - had to settle for P11 after losing several places due to a poor opening lap. 

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While Dixon was by no means slow during the last two seasons at Petronas Sprinta Racing, the former BSB rider has looked like a completely different and rejuvenated rider so far in 2022, which he believes is partially down to the team letting him get on with the riding aspect of things.

Speaking after his maiden Moto2 pole position, Dixon said: "It feels so good! It feels so nice to pay the team with a pole position on the Kalex after a big move from last season, they deserve it as much as I do. It’s a team effort. We have been doing great. 

"Finally, things are starting to pay off. I feel super good on the bike. Honestly, my crew is awesome, I love them so much. 

"I just leave them to do their job; before I had to focus on being involved in the set-up of the bike. 

"Now I just focus on myself. I can’t wait for tomorrow; I’m going to ride my race and I think it will be good."

A full tenth of a second clear of Augusto Fernandez, Dixon leads a British-dominated front row after Sam Lowes managed to secure third - the same position as two weeks ago in Qatar. 

Although his pace is strong heading into the 24-lap race, Lowes hasn’t looked quite as competitive as Dixon despite making significant progress from his tendinitis injury. 

Lowes said: "I’m happy with today. I need to find some improvements in the rain because I didn’t feel so good in the wet conditions in the morning. But in the dry I felt good. 

"We need to look at and evaluate a few little things this evening like the race pace and the tyre life but we don’t know what the weather conditions will be like tomorrow. 

"We have to wait and see. Overall, I feel good. We’re on the front row and I’m sure we’ll be in the mix.2