The Marc VDS team has high hopes of a top-three challenge in today’s Catalan Grand Prix after Sam Lowes continued his impressive 2020 qualifying form this afternoon, claiming his fifth front row start of the season so far.

With a welcome respite from the vicious winds that battered the Barcelona circuit yesterday, Lowes dominated this morning’s unseasonably cool FP3, making his customary fast start as the 40-minute session got underway.

His first sub 1’44 lap of the weekend quickly moved him into contention for top honours as the British rider continued to reel off a series off impressively fast and consistent laps. With just over three minutes of the final practice remaining, Lowes ensured his dominance once again, leading the times with a brilliant lap of 1’43.523.

Having come close once again to setting a new all-time lap record this morning, Lowes entered Q2 full of confidence that he could challenge for pole position as the afternoon temperatures improved to a more anticipated 20°C.

That confidence wasn’t misplaced as the number 22 repeatedly fought for pole position, eventually setting the third best time, a 1’43.637, to start on the front row of the grid alongside championship-leader Luca Marini and Jorge Navarro for Sunday’s 22-lap race.

“The target before every qualifying is to be on the front row, so I am obviously happy about that," said Lowes.

“I didn’t feel perfect in Q2, but I was still able to finish in the top three and put up a good fight for pole position, which shows we can be fast even with a few small issues.

“My pace for the race is positive and I have been very fast in all sessions. I think we can go into the race very confident of fighting for the podium and possibly my first win of the season.”