Lowes straight back in the groove as he closes Day 1 at Motegi in fourth
Sam Lowes and the Team Federal Oil Gresini Moto2 were back on track today at Twin Ring Motegi for the first day of Free Practice of the Grand Prix of Japan: after the great weekend in Aragon, ended with a stunning victory, the 26-year-old British rider was straight back at the top, setting the fourth fastest time with 1’51”184 and already showing a fast and consistent pace on consecutive laps.
The first two free practice sessions therefore bode well ahead of the Qualifying session, scheduled for tomorrow at 15.05 local time, 7:05 CET.
SAM LOWES (4th – 1’51”184)
“It was a very good day! Luthi was fastest today, but we are not worried: he’s always been very strong on this track and we have room to improve. We tried a lot of things on the bike today and at some point, when we put the harder tyre, we also went a little bit in the wrong direction. Later, however, with the other tyre, we have taken a big step forward, finding a very consistent pace. I feel good, we still have room to improve and tomorrow in Qualifying we can definitely fight for the pole position!”.
FAUSTO GRESINI
“Today we worked really well, completing a positive day of practice. At the beginning of the day we struggled a little bit, but we managed to improve quickly. Right now the situation is good, we are close to the fastest and tomorrow we will continue to work on the bike set-up to give even more feeling to Sam and to check the durability of the tyres for the race. We know we can still improve, and tomorrow we will do it, no doubt!”.
