Hello everyone,
The Aragon MotoGP was in fact my final round of my Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup career. So let's have a look at some of my best memories from 2017 and 2018!
The picture above shows my first ever time on the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup KTM. My style was very unorthodox and I struggled a lot for pace.
The first round showed this lack of pace, finishing respectively last in both races and being far off! I was disappointed but determined to show what I was capable of in the future!
Step by step my style started to change, with the help of both rider coaches Dani and Gustl my style improved. I started to make my way in to the point scoring finishes.
As I started to push harder, I hit a big problem mid way through the season. A broken right humerus meant I wasn't able to compete for the remainder of the season.
Even with only doing 3 out of the possible 7 rounds, I really enjoyed my first season and was fortunate enough to receive another year.
It was a long winter, of changes and work! But I came out the other side like a different person, focused and ready to take on the 2018 season!!
The picture above shows my style improvement, this was at the Jerez test at the start of the season. My pace had improved by 2 seconds at the Jerez Circuit. My next step was to stop thinking about the riding and allow it to be more natural!
The first round of the 2018 season was better again, after qualifying 8th I was full of confidence! But I struggled with nerves for the races! Nevertheless still taking another second off my lap times!
Mid way through the season at Austria, I had hit a big low. After having a very disappointing weekend, I was trying too hard to try and turn my season around! All I could do was keep my head high and try again!
At Misano it all changed, my preparation was second to non. Although I missed Misano in 2017, it felt as I had ridden it already. I was fast and relaxed, for the first time during my Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup career.
All of this showed, with in my final couple of races bagging two 7ths in qualifying and under a second off the pole. And finishing P9 and P7, very close to a podium finish.
I have no words for the support I have been given, and the opportunity of a life time. I got to travel Europe doing what I love, with the best team and machinery every round. All I can say is thank you!
For anyone considering trying out for the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup in the future I would highly recommend it! You'll never regret trying your best!
Dan
Blog | Dan Jones reviews two great Rookies Cup seasons
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