Sam Lowes says his priority was simply to reach the flag as he concluded his 154th and final Moto2 World Championship race with a seventh place finish.

The Briton, who will now turn his attentions to a new endeavour competing in the WorldSBK Championship next season, opted against pushing for a better result in the closing stages at Valencia to avoid ending his ninth season in the intermediate class in disaster.

The result brings a curtain down on Lowes’ time in Moto2, during which he accumulated ten race wins, 26 podiums and 20 pole positions.

“If I had a chance for the podium in the final laps, the end would have been different. But it was for P4, P5, P6, and it wouldn’t have changed so much. The last 2 laps I just stayed there and it was important to not make a mistake. 

“It was really on my shoulders today to finish. I tried a lot but I didn’t feel as good as the last 2 days. The pace was a bit slower than we expected as the conditions were quite fresh. I just want to say a massive thank you to the team for a great 4 years. 

“It’s full of great people, including Marc who is amazing. I feel really grateful we’re moving to WorldSBK together. Of course, I wanted to do better. But the results have been good. I’m happy with the wins, the podiums, the poles. 

“This paddock is difficult. Everyone is trying to win. I’m proud of what I’ve achieved. It’s not a goodbye to this paddock; it’s more a see you around, just I won’t be riding here when I come back!”

Seventh place in the finale leaves Lowes 12th in overall standings of an up and down season riddled with bad luck - including three first lap takedowns from other riders - but the honour of being one of only seven riders to take a trip to the top of the podium.

Lowes’ new WorldSBK era - where he will share the track with twin brother Alex Lowes - begins next week with his first test aboard the Ducati Panigale V4 R prepared by Marc VDS Racing.