Jones hoping to qualify for Japanese Grand Prix

Avintia Racing Ducati’s Mike Jones enjoyed an ‘incredible’ first day as a MotoGP rider and has set himself the target of qualifying for Sunday’s 24-lap Japanese Grand Prix at Motegi.

The Australian was drafted in late on Thursday evening to replace Hector Barbera, who himself was called up at the 11^th hour to ride in place of the injured Andrea Iannone at the factory Ducati team.

Jones currently competes in the Australian Superbike Championship, winning the series in 2015 and finishing fifth this season on a Ducati at the Troy Bayliss-backed Desmo Sport team.

Jones had never seen the Motegi circuit, nor the Desmosedici GP14.2 until this morning but that didn’t stop the Aussie from enjoying every minute of his MotoGP debut, an experience he is extremely grateful for.

Unsurprisingly, Jones brought up the rear of the field in both practice sessions. In FP1, he managed a 1m53.473s and 16 laps of the Twin Ring circuit. In the afternoon, Jones improved on his best lap by around two and a half seconds, making the 107% cut-off in the process.

With still so much to learn in such a short space of time, Jones is under no illusions about the challenge facing him. With that said, the Avintia rider is looking just to make it onto the grid for the Grand Prix, a feat he thinks is definitely achievable.

“The first day was incredible! I couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunity given to me by Avintia Racing and Ducati and I’m just absolutely amazed by the experience I had here on my first day with a MotoGP bike,” a delighted Jones said.

“It’s been quite an eye opener, that’s for sure. Everything is very different from what I’m used to, but it is an amazing experience. I got so much learning to do, because everything is new and I’m trying to absorb as much information as I possible can. It is quite difficult, but I couldn’t be happier. Just being here and being able to ride with the best riders of the world is the best thing ever. I missed some sleep but I don’t care! The target for tomorrow in qualifying is to qualify for the race and I really think I can do that.”