Portimao Moto2 test: Lowes ‘optimistic for Qatar’ as he calls time early

Elf Marc VDS’ Sam Lowes was forced to call time early on his winter test programme due to ongoing complications with his left wrist.

Lowes began Sunday at Portimao tenth in the Moto2 times and running 1’43.856 pace after sitting out of Saturday afternoon’s final session. The 31-year-old continued to work on his race set-up on used tyres throughout the morning session and was satisfied with the progress made.

A turn three crash in the second session left Lowes unhurt, however the ongoing discomfort of tendonitis in his left wrist prevented him from pushing at his full potential with his team deciding to withdraw him from further action.

Lowes will now undertake intensive treatment to ensure he is close to peak physical condition for the opening round of the 2022 season in Qatar on March 6th.

“Today I was struggling with the feeling on the bike and unfortunately the tendonitis issue is certainly not helping,” Lowes admitted from the Algarve. “I need laps to find the limit of the bike and it is not ideal to be in this position with the first race just two weeks away.

“We’ve taken the decision to stop and try and recover as best as possible for Qatar, but honestly, I’d like to have been more prepared. I’m going to work at my maximum between now and Qatar but going to the first race I must be realistic about what to expect and what we can achieve. I’ll keep a positive attitude and remain optimistic that we will still be very competitive at the first race.”