MotoGP Portimao: Lowes looking for season reset in Europe

Elf Marc VDS’ Sam Lowes is putting his first lap COTA crash firmly in the past as he prepares for Europe and the rollercoaster Portimao Circuit this week.

Having been the victim of Somkiat Chantra’s penalty-inducing first lap incident in Texas a fortnight ago, Lowes is eager to return to his front-running form at a circuit he knows and loves. The Algarve International, in Portugal, has seen the Brit on the podium twice as well as starting from pole position, so the challenging and unique 4.6km layout is a perfect place to mount his comeback.

“I always look forward to going to Portimao because it is such a fantastic track,” Lowes said of the approaching weekend. “Unfortunately, I didn’t get to do much riding there during the preseason test because of the tendonitis issues I was having in the left wrist. But I feel much better now and I’m looking forward to getting the European part of the season started.

“It always feels like the season starts properly once you hit Europe and I’m looking forward to fighting for the podium again this weekend.”