Britain’s Sam Lowes believes that next weekend he will be stronger than the fourth place taken in yesterday’s Moto2 race at the Red Bull Ring MotoGP round.

Lowes had shown winning pace over race distance in free practice sessions but a crash from championship leader Enea Bastianini saw the re-start shortened to 13 laps.

This, combined with a poor start, put paid to Lowes’ challenge for a win but he is now fourth in the points table and only 19 points behind Luca Marini.

“It was OK. When it’s a short race everybody pushes hard. I didn’t make the best start and I was in the group. It was one of those races that was fun to be involved in but I knew I was losing a lot of time,” said Lowes.

“After the bad start and with the race being held over 13 laps I’m happy with the fourth place and 13 points. It’s another strong weekend for me and we got some good points. I know I’m stronger than that so I can look forward to next weekend.”

Moto2 will start free practice again on Friday at the Austrian track.