Sam Lowes missed the Moto2 Q2 fight by just 0.017s on Saturday as he qualified 19th at Buriram on his Elf Marc VDS.
Preparations for the Thai GP continued at a dry but humid Chang International Circuit for day two as Lowes continued to recover feeling and stamina on his return from injury. Improving his pace by over half a second from the morning’s final practice to the first qualifying session, Lowes is feeling the potential after narrowly missing out on promotion with his 1’36.360 lap, to head row seven for Sunday’s 24-lap race.
“Today was alright,” Lowes stated simply on Saturday. “The arm is okay and I’m quite happy with the pain.
“It’s painful but not terrible. It’s just I feel a bit weak but I can see light at the end of the tunnel.
“I did quite a few laps in a row and I’m happy to be riding a bit better, although I’m not expecting too much in the race tomorrow,” he continued. “It will be the first time I’ve started a full race since June. It will be difficult and I’ll have to see how the arm and shoulder is over the race distance but I’m looking forward to it.
“We’ve done a good job this weekend. I’ve enjoyed riding the bike so hopefully we can have a nice race. We’ll go into it without expectations and I’m sure I can make another step in Australia.”