Lowes leads Moto2 Valencia test

Elf Marc VDS’ Sam Lowes kicked off his 2022 Moto2 campaign with the fastest time overall at the Valencia test.

Lowes was joined on track and at the top of the timesheets by new teammate Tony Arbolino as the duo navigated two days at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit.

The Brit was back to his best for his first outing of the new year with his Marc VDS machine, setting a 1’35.705 to dominate the overall standings and head his teammate by just over a tenth.

Initially using the 2022 Kalex chassis with his base setting from last year while testing several different swingarms, the 31-year old established a comfortable riding position on the bike and worked on finding extra confidence with the front end of his machine before setting about a time attack.

Confident the hard work has paid off with a solid set-up direction he doesn’t have long to wait for more action, with a second two-day test scheduled for Jerez Circuit - Angel Nieto on February 8th-9th.

“I’m really happy with the work done in these two days,” Lowes confirmed from Spain on Friday evening. “I was trying lots of components, especially today. Yesterday was more about getting back up to speed but today we tried many things. As always in testing some were good, some weren’t but we found a nice direction.

“It’s been a good two days to get back into the riding side of things. I felt confident and I’m looking forward to Jerez and making step so we are ready for Qatar.

“Overall, I’m very happy. I enjoyed it. It was a great job done by the team as they were busy days. Now we have a few days to relax and then on to Jerez!”