Sam Lowes (Swiss Innovative Investors) produced a stunning comeback in Sunday’s Gran Premi Monster Energy de Catalunya to finish 9th after a fuel pump issue prior to the race meant the British rider had to start from the back of the grid.

Launching from 34th, the British rider expertly carved his way through the field to finish just three seconds back from Championship leader Francesco Bagnaia (SKY Racing Team VR46) in eighth, and over a second clear of teammate Iker Lecuona.

Sam Lowes, Moto2, Catalunya MotoGP 2018

The 27-year-old reflected on his gutsy race, in which he overtook 24 riders. “We knew it wasn’t going to be easy this year, but we had bad luck this time,” commented Lowes, who has a best finish of P8 so far this season after returning to the Moto2™ class from a year in MotoGP™. “However, we started the bike a few minutes before, I quickly felt comfortable and to do a race like we did shows that we have taken a step forward. I didn’t make any mistakes over the weekend. I think I could have fought for the podium or finished in the top five, because my pace was similar to the riders in front, maybe not Quartararo, but Oliveira.”

The 2013 World Supersport Champion has been impressive since arriving on the Grand Prix scene in 2014, standing on the podium 11 times, including three victories. There’s a reason why Aprilia gave him a factory MotoGP™ ride in 2017, and there’s no doubting the Lincolnshire-born rider has the speed to challenge for a Moto2™ World Championship in the future. So, can this be the turning point in his 2018 season?

“After these difficult months, I can be proud of what I accomplished this weekend. Assen is a track I enjoy and I am convinced that we are following the right direction.”

Sam Lowes, Moto2 race, Catalunya MotoGP 2018

By MotoGP