Lowes struggles with wrist at Jerez Moto2 test

Elf Marc VDS’s Sam Lowes was on track at Circuito de Jerez-Angel Nieto this week completing two days of preseason Moto2 testing.

Having topped the Valencia test last week, Lowes utilised two days in Andalucia to fine tune his base setup with the 2022 Kalex chassis, focusing on rear grip. He was forced to end Wednesday’s work after just five laps however, after suffering with tendonitis in his left wrist. His best time, a 1’42.103, sitting him eight overall and less than a tenth behind teammate Tony Arbolino.

The Brit is set to be back in action at Portimao for three days of official Moto2 testing from Saturday 19th February and will undergo an intense course of physiotherapy over the next week in a bid to be ready.

“I struggled with a bit of tendonitis after the Valencia test last week and on the first day here in Jerez I was happy to complete as many laps as I did,” Lowes said from Spain. “I went out today and to be honest I was struggling with it. I guess I tweaked the wrist in Valencia and it’s just causing me some minor issues after so long off the Moto2 bike.

“There was less wind today and the bike felt good and even in the few laps I was able to run, I felt like we made a good step. I’m happy with the work done at this test. The team has done a great job as always and we’ve managed to eliminate some things that didn’t work and found a good direction with set-up moving forward.

“Our base setting is more or less fixed and that’s always one of the most important parts of testing to find a bike you’re comfortable and confident with. I’ve got a plan now to work on the wrist ahead of the next test in Portimao and hopefully it will be 100% there.”