This is already a hard blow for the Elf Marc VDS team which sees its natural leader Sam Lowes, aged 31, approaching the deadline for the first Grand Prix of the 2022 season in Qatar in very poor form. So much so that the Englishman had to cut short his last off-season tests at Portimao by one day, finishing in a depressing 22nd position. The former Supersport World Champion explains his misfortune which has still been following him since February 9, which makes his situation even more worrying...
Sam Lowes tried to do his job during the last off-season tests for Moto2 at Portimao, but a fall called him to order. The Englishman, for the moment, is simply not in the condition to properly drive his Kalex from the Marc VDS team. And he explains the reason thus: “ I had some discomfort left hand tendon after the Valencia test. I guess I kind of pinched my tendon in Valencia. After the long winter break, it's now causing me problems on Moto2 ».
Sam Lowes: “ I will give my best, but I also have to be realistic”
The fourth of the last championship Moto2 had to resolve to surrender before the end of the three days of testing. In addition to his suffering, there was a strong wind and he suffered a fall, fortunately not serious: “ because of the wind I couldn't ride as I wanted, so I fell because of my left hand ", said Lowes. " I even have the feeling that the problems at Portimao have worsened compared to Jerez. We have worked on the basic settings, but it is difficult to draw the right conclusions because of the wind ". However, he predicts: “I am convinced that we can do it and that we will be ready for Qatar ».
« I just didn't have the feeling with the bike, the tendinitis didn't improve the situation much », sighs the teammate Tony Arbolino. " I need more laps to find the limit, of course it's not optimal to be in such a situation two weeks before the first race ».
The Kalex pilot finishes: “ I decided to stop temporarily in order to recover as best as possible for Qatar. I will give my best, but I also have to be realistic. I try to keep my attitude positive and I'm still confident for the first race ».
