Lowes tops private Moto2 test from Arbolino at Valencia, finds ‘new direction’

Preparations for the 2022 Moto2 season got off to a flying start for Elf Marc VDS riders Sam Lowes and Tony Arbolino after finishing 1-2 in Valencia. 

Although the two-day test was limited to just six Moto2 riders - 15 Moto3 riders were also in attendance - Lowes showed impressive pace to pip new team-mate Arbolino and Mooney VR46 Racing Team rider Celestino Vietti. 

The top three were covered by just +0.140s, while Moto2 rookies Manuel Gonzalez, Keminith Kubo and Niccolo Antonelli were fourth, fifth and sixth respectively.  

"I’m really happy with the work done in these two days," said Lowes "I was trying lots of components, especially today. Yesterday was more about getting back up to speed. But today we tried many things. 

"As always in testing, some were good, some weren’t. But we found a nice direction. It’s been a good two days to get back into the riding side of things. 

"I felt confident and I’m looking forward to Jerez and making steps so we are ready for Qatar. 

"Overall, I’m very happy. I enjoyed it. It was a great job by the team as they were busy days. Now we have a few days to relax and then on to Jerez!"

Lowes will once again be expected to lead the Marc VDS team when it comes to a championship challenge, however, 21 year-old Arbolino showed enough as a rookie in 2021 to potentially take the fight to the Brit. 

Speaking after his third test with the team, second of 2022, Arbolino added: "It was a great test! We worked really well during the two days and we tested many things. 

"The team worked really hard to give me a better bike which allowed me to feel more comfortable on it. I’m really proud of them for that. From here we’ll keep going and keep working hard to reach our objective. 

"Now I’m really looking forward to going to Jerez for two more days of important testing. There we’ll be able to evaluate what we’ve tested here. I’m really happy."

The next outing for Moto2 riders including Lowes and Arbolino will take place at Jerez on Feburary 8-9, before the one and only official pre-season test at Portimao on February 19-21.