Jake Dixon Struggles at Mugello: “It Feels Like I’ve Lost All Ability to Ride”
The sweeping curves and storied tarmac of Mugello usually bring out the best in Jake Dixon. After all, it was here in 2023 where he stood proudly on the podium, proving his pace at one of Moto2’s most technically demanding circuits. But the 2025 Italian Grand Prix told a very different story—one that leaves Dixon and the ELF Marc VDS Racing Team searching for answers.
The British rider endured another tough weekend in a season that’s become a frustrating patch of missed opportunities and lost momentum. Finishing 17th and outside the points, Dixon's weekend unraveled after what had initially looked like a promising start. A solid second-place finish in Free Practice One sparked optimism, but a chaotic qualifying session saw him slip to 14th on the grid, and things only spiraled from there.
The race itself? Frankly, it was one to forget.
“That was a terrible race. I don’t really know what to say,” Dixon admitted post-race, visibly deflated. “I have zero feeling right now. I couldn’t ride fast today, and it feels like I’ve lost all ability to ride a motorbike.”
Strong words from a rider who is not known to shy away from honesty. Despite his affinity for Mugello and past success there, he simply couldn’t find the rhythm or feeling needed to compete inside the top 15, let alone challenge for points.
The Grand Prix of the Americas back in April—where Dixon soared to the top step of the podium—now feels like a distant memory. Since that high point, he has struggled to break into the top ten, slipping further behind in the standings. After nine rounds, Dixon now sits fifth in the Moto2 World Championship, trailing leader Manuel Gonzalez by 58 points.
But despite the slump, Dixon isn’t throwing in the towel. Not by a long shot.
“I’m really looking forward to going home now and resetting,” he said. “That will be important because Assen is a track that I like a lot. Hopefully, we can get some feeling and confidence back and aim to fight inside the top ten there. That’s all we can do right now.”
Resetting may be exactly what Dixon needs. The Dutch TT at Assen is just around the corner, offering a clean slate and a chance to reignite the fire. While recent races have chipped away at confidence, Dixon’s raw speed and talent remain unquestionable. One good weekend could be all it takes to turn the tide.
For now, the focus shifts to regrouping and rebuilding—not just physically, but mentally. In this sport, confidence is as critical as horsepower.
And if we’ve learned anything about Jake Dixon over the years, it’s this: when he finds that spark again, he’s more than capable of reminding the Moto2 paddock exactly why he belongs at the front.