Rossi hoping for ‘strong’ BritishGP, MotoGP debut will be ‘great’ - Dixon

Jake Dixon is set to make his MotoGP debut for Petronas Yamaha this weekend alongside nine-time world champion Valentino Rossi at Silverstone.

Dixon hasn’t had the easiest of Moto2 campaign’s thus far in 2021, however, a change of scenery onto MotoGP machinery could be just what the Brit needs. 

It’s a transition the former BSB rider expects to be a tough one, but one that’s ‘going to be extra special’ as a full capacity crown is expected. 

"This weekend will be difficult, jumping on the big bike for the first time at my home GP, but I’m really looking forward to it," said Dixon. 

"It’s always exciting to be racing at home, but this year it’s going to be extra special. The home support is always amazing there, I love the track and I think it’s going to be a great experience. 

"To have a big crowd there and the knowledge of the circuit is really going to help me this weekend, although I’m obviously not looking for any particular result. I’m just going to go out and enjoy it!"

On the other side of the Yamaha garage, Rossi is coming into the British Grand Prix off the back of his best result this season. 

The Italian’s eighth place finish at the AustrianGP was just his second top ten of the year. Silverstone has traditionally been one of Rossi’s better circuits - eight wins across all classes. 

The last race held at Silverstone (2019) saw Rossi claim fourth, a result that would be surprising but not unthinkable this weekend given the ‘usually quite strong’ form shown on British soil.

Rossi said: "I really like Silverstone; it’s a great track and is one of my favourites. It’s long and has everything there: fast parts, medium ones and it’s very technical in places. 

"Usually we are quite strong there, so hopefully this will be the case again this year, and I hope that we have good weather this weekend. 

"I think the weather forecast is okay at the moment but you have to be ready for everything there – it can start dry and end wet, or only be wet in some places. I’m really looking forward to being back there this weekend."