'Tough couple of days' - Jake Dixon says he is 'OK' after huge crash, will stay in Qatar for medical checks

Jake Dixon says he is "OK" but will remain in Qatar for further medical checks after suffering a frightening crash during Saturday's Moto2 practice session.

The British rider's team Aspar said on Sunday that he had been released from hospital after being ruled out of the curtain-raising race of the 2024 season.

Dixon later said on social media that he requires further assessment before leaving the Middle East.

"I’m OK, it’s been a tough couple days but I’m ok," Dixon posted on X.

"It hurt not to be on the grid for the first race of the season, but my health comes first."

"I will remain a few days in Qatar as I need some more medical checks. I want to thank the circuit, the hospital and the championship doctors and of course my team."

Dixon had a huge accident while travelling at 154 km/h in the final practice session at the Lusail International Circuit on Saturday during a flying lap.

Medical checks ruled out any fractures but he was sent to hospital, where he underwent tests and was kept overnight.

But Dixon’s team Aspar were reassuring about his condition on Sunday.

“Jake Dixon has spent the night in the Hamad General Hospital,” Aspar Team tweeted.

“He is fine and has been released from the hospital this afternoon. We’ll miss you today, Jake!”

The incident occurred at Turn 13, causing a red flag for FP2.

Dixon’s bike slid and then threw him over the handlebars and into the air for a heavy impact on landing.

Aspar sports director Nico Terol said: “The important thing today is that Jake Dixon is OK after the crash.

“We want to thank the circuit and the championship’s medical teams for how they have been always taking care of him.”

The 28-year-old was a two-time race winner in 2023, taking his first career Moto2 victories in the Netherlands and Catalonia.

Dixon finished fourth overall in the riders’ standings.

David Alonso paid tribute to his Aspar team-mate Dixon after claiming victory in the Moto3 race on Sunday.

"This victory is for Jake Dixon," Alonso said. "We don't have him running in today's race, because he suffered a big crash yesterday.

"Come on mate, we'll do it. Keep pushing and we'll wait for you."

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