Britain’s Sam Lowes has admitted he has to stop crashing in order to make the most of his undoubted Moto2 pace this season as his tally at Austin’s MotoGP round reached four in qualifying.

The Derby-based rider managed to pick himself up from a crash in the early part of the final timed session to get a front-row start for today’s race even though he was already in some pain from his big off on Friday when he was spat over the highside of his Speed Up.

“I am happy because the goal is always to start on the front row, and after the two big crashes yesterday it was difficult for me because I am in some pain,” said Lowes.

“On the bike is not a big problem, so it is not an excuse but I didn’t feel the best, so I am really happy to start from the front row.

“The race should be good, I hope its dry, because it will be a nice battle with the guys, and we will see. For sure I have to stop crashing and learn a little bit. But I am happy with my pace and maybe I just need to calm down a bit.

“Today it is important to finish, and I hope to have a good race, have a nice battle and do the best I can.”