Even before the pandemic gripped the global scene, 2020's Moto2 season had begun in dramatic and disappointing style for Britain's Sam Lowes.

Fracturing and dislocating his right shoulder during a private test in early February, the Brit was forced to miss the remainder of the winter testing schedule along with the opening race at Qatar, however, there was light at the end of the tunnel.

The subsequent postponement of the racing season allowed Lowes to fully recover both his shoulder strength and general fitness, with the Marc VDS man raring to go as round two eventually got underway after a four month delay.

Seven podiums and three victories later, Lowes concluded 2020 third in the Moto2 championship standings, tied on points with Luca Marini and only narrowly missing out on the runner-up spot after a hard-fought battle at Portimao.

Now the dust has settled, BSN caught up with Lowes to find out how he feels about his 2020 season overall, especially having started the year facing so much uncertainty.

“Overall I am happy, and proud of myself for being competitive again. It was hard to come back from my injury before the restart but this is racing and we know it can happen, just like it did in the last races," Lowes told bikesportnews.com

“I’m getting lots of treatment now with my physio, and laser treatment, as well as some rest. Which is needed"

Alongside the current treatment to his right hand - broken after an FP3 fall at Valencia - Lowes already has a firm plan in place for his winter training regime, alongside brother and WorldSBK regular Alex:

“December I use as some rest but then I focus on getting my physical shape back to where it should be, as with the busy season we lose a little fitness. I will do Christmas here in England with my family, then from January I will start to ride again before going out to Spain in Feb to ride more and train hard, so by March I’m as fit as I can be. As it’s important to be at your best before all the travelling and riding starts.”

The Lowes brothers are known for being competitive and that extends to their training, with cross-championship influences from Tommy Searle, Tai Woffinden and Leon Haslam, among others, often thrown into the mix. So does having a core, close-knit group help keep him focused and motivated?  

"Yes, motivation has to come from yourself but having a strong group and support around you is everything in such a tight class like Moto2. It’s really important to be strong every weekend and you need that group around you to keep focused and relaxed.”

Speaking of close support, Lowes’ fiancée, Marina Rossi, has worked within the Marc VDS team, as the team coordinator, for many years, so what’s it like now working, and travelling, with the missus?

“Of course it’s nice but at the races we don’t speak so much as she’s really busy and I am focused on what I need to do. We don’t stay together but it’s amazing and I’m really proud of her, she does a great job and has been a massive part in helping me get back to winning races.

“My first year with them has been great, everyone in the team is doing a mega job. We have some areas to improve, but just small details, otherwise we’ll keep working as we are. They really help me to be relaxed and focused on where we need to be.”

Lowes’ move to Marc VDS sees him partner with crew chief Gilles Bigot - the Frenchman having amassed over 30 years inside Grand Prix racing - so how has he found working with such an experienced and well-regarded character?

“Gilles is great, he has so much experience and is very calm in all situations. I really appreciate working with him, he has helped me so much and I believe we can be even stronger together in 2021.”

The rollercoaster of 2020 has seen numerous venues, as well as fans, missing from the calendar with a notable GP star also announcing his goodbye from full-time racing.

“This year was strange but MotoGP did an amazing job to keep it all going, of course missing the British GP and the fans was not nice at all.

“Cal is a great guy, someone I look up to and someone I call a friend. We will miss him in the paddock but I hope he will come to some races as well! Let’s see.”

While a return to a more traditional season is hopefully anticipated for next year, there is also the potential for new additions. With Finland, Russia, and Indonesia finding their way onto the provisional schedule, are there any tracks that Lowes is particularly looking forward to experiencing?

“Right now I’m not sure. When everything is going well and you’re confident then every circuit is exciting and I look forward to them all.”

2020 may have been an interesting year but the biggest change to the 30-year-old’s life in recent years has been the arrival of his daughter, Kathryn - born on his and Alex’s birthday and who turned two in September. Has becoming a dad changed his attitude to riding, his career and life in general?  

“Life yes, racing no. Racing, I love it and always have and will! I give my all every time I ride so this hasn’t changed. In life, yes. It’s great being a dad and I love spending time with Kathryn and making better decisions for our future.”

With that in mind, what would be his perfect Christmas present?

“For Covid-19 to be solved and the world to go back to normal, so families can go back to living normally and we can all go back to enjoying the things we love.”

After a demanding but ultimately successful year, what does his ideal 2021 look like?

“Becoming world champion in front of fans at the circuit.”

Finally, and possibly more importantly, who’s better at golf, Sam or Alex?

“Hahaha it’s close, Alex had the upper hand but it’s close now...”