Elf Marc VDS’s Sam Lowes secured a strong opening day of Moto2 action in the top five having completed 32 laps of the 5kms Motorland Aragon circuit.

Lowes worked through a range of set-up options while also assessing the potential of Dunlop’s front and rear tyre allocation in two very productive, yet hot, free practice sessions and having led FP1 for the majority, Lowes was pipped to the position by Jorge Navarro in the closing stages.

The afternoon’s improved grip levels allowed the 30-year-old to make a significant improvement on the soft rear tyre, lapping more than six-tenths quicker to once again challenge for the top three before completing the day fifth overall.

“It’s great to be back in Aragon on a track that I like a lot,” said Lowes. “It was a good day and the conditions meant we could try a few things on the bike.

“We got some good information to help us improve for tomorrow. The team is working hard to improve the bike and I’m working hard to improve my riding as well, so let’s hope we can be strong in qualifying tomorrow.”