Marc VDS’ Sam Lowes lost out on what he described as a ‘guaranteed podium’ at Mugello this afternoon after crashing out of second place on lap 16 of the Moto2 ItalianGP.
Losing a little ground after starting second on the grid, Lowes found himself in fifth after the first corner melee. Not one to be deterred, the Brit hit back with the fastest lap of the race, and a new race lap record – a 1’51.208 – as he advanced passed Fabio Di Giannantonio and Tony Arbolino to sit third by lap three.
The 30-year old passed Remy Gardner for second on lap 10 as he looked to reel in leader Raul Fernandez, 1.8s ahead. By lap 16 Lowes had reduced that deficit to 0.7s but a fast crash at turn eight brought his race to an abrupt and disappointing end.
Lowes remains fourth in the world championship standings with 66 points, 48 behind leader Gardner.
“Obviously I’m really disappointed to crash today because I felt really comfortable in that position” the Brit said after the dust had settled.
“I didn’t get a great start but felt I had a nice race to that point, battling with those guys. I’m sorry for the team for making that mistake because we had a guaranteed podium there, if not a chance for the victory.
“We have to take the positives. I’ve been fast all weekend and I’m riding well. I just need to start finishing races to get some points back but it’s a long season.
“Now we have to take it race-by-race if we want to fight for the championship. I’m happy with my speed and I’m already looking forward to Barcelona.”
