Superbike race winner Dixon set for Moto2 debut

British Superbike race winner Jake Dixon will make his Moto2 debut in his home round of the championship at Silverstone, it has been announced.

Dixon will ride for the Intact GP team in place of the injured Danny Kent, who in turn had been standing in for the team's regular rider Marcel Schrotter after the German broke his wrist.

Kent was poised for his fourth Moto2 start of the year last weekend in Austria, but was ultimately ruled out of the event after picking up a back injury, the result of a practice crash with Alex Marquez.

With Kent still out of action for Silverstone, Intact has announced that 21-year-old Dixon has been selected as a replacement.

"I'm very excited about this big opportunity," said Dixon. "A big thank you to Intact GP to give me the chance to ride at Silverstone to my home Grand Prix, which is something very special.

"The Moto2 will be a bit different to the Superbike, but also I think that many things will be quite similar. The chassis on the Superbike has been made stiffer, so this is maybe similar to what a Moto2 bike will feel like. It will be an experience and I'm looking forward to the challenge."

In only his first full season in the championship, Dixon currently lies seventh in the BSB points with a double victory at Knockhill to his credit. He also finished ninth in a World Superbike one-off appearance at Donington Park.