Here is the press release from the Swiss Innovative Investors team following the Barcelona Grand Prix.
After a solid first two days, Sam Lowes and Iker Lecuona lined up at the start of the Moto2 race at the Catalan Grand Prix with the firm intention of battling it out.
However, Sam Lowes had bad luck before even reaching the grid; his motorcycle having refused to start. Forced to start from last place, the Briton made a breathtaking comeback to reach the finish line in ninth position just ahead of his Spanish teammate.
On the fifth row of the grid, Iker Lecuona gave everything to keep up with the pace of the leading group. He concluded his second home event just 15 seconds behind the stage winner, a result which was enough to delight him before the next meeting on the calendar in Assen.
Sam Lowes (9th): “We knew it wasn't going to be easy this year, but we were unlucky this time. However, we had started the bike a few minutes before. I quickly felt comfortable and completing a race like today shows that we have reached a milestone. I didn't make any mistakes during the weekend. I think I could have fought for the podium or finished in the Top 5, because my pace was similar to that of the front, maybe not Quartararo's, but Oliveira's. After these last difficult months, I can be proud of what I accomplished this weekend. Assen is a track that I enjoy and I am convinced that we are on the right track. »
Iker Lecuona (10nd): “The first part of the race was difficult, but I'm really happy with the result at the finish. I had some problems with new tires stopping the bike and I widened my line during an overtake. I had a good start and had to wait until halfway to pick up the pace. Sam joined me at the end, I tried to take the lead, but he was faster. I finished tenth, 15 seconds behind the winner and we achieved our objectives. I would like to thank the entire team for the work accomplished this weekend and I would like to dedicate this race and this result to Andreas Pérez. »
Fred Corminboeuf (Team Manager): “Once again the team was unlucky. Sam's bike didn't start before it even lined up on the grid. He therefore had to start from last place, but he showed that he was among the fastest by setting the seventh fastest lap of the race just before the finish. Sam made an incredible comeback and I think the team reached a milestone this weekend. Iker, for his part, returned to the Top 10, in front of his audience. He finished the race 15 seconds behind the leader, and he once again demonstrated that he had to be counted on. Before heading to Assen, we will carry out a day of testing in Aragón during which we hope to confirm the direction we have taken in Catalonia. »
