Sam Lowes’ Aprilia MotoGP team-mate Aleix Espargaro has leapt to the Briton’s defence as rumours of his imminent replacement in the squad grow.

Espargaro said he was angry to learn of speculation that Lowes’ head could be on the block after only three months in the job.

“I think we need to have more respect for a rider that last season won races. We cannot forget these things in just three months. We need to have more respect, we need to give more time to Sam – he’s a talented rider,” said the Spaniard.

“If we arrive in Valencia and his results are still not competitive, you can think about something, but not in June.”

Aprilia race chief Romano Albesiano confirned to bikesportnews.com at Montmelo that Lowes' seat was not yet in jeopardy but he was talking to other riders in case the situation did not improve.

Lowes – who is doing the bulk of the team's test work – is also upset about the situation and says it keeps him awake at night.