Speed Up Racing’s Sam Lowes stormed to pole position during the Moto2 qualifying session, and will start P1 in the race at Silverstone tomorrow.
The rider ran out of petrol halfway through the session, but came back to clinch the number one spot on the grid, in a near perfect outing for the Lincolnshire lad. He rider is now the first Brit to get a pole position at the track in the GP class since Barry Sheene in 1977. With his crew working hard to get the bike back on the grid it then paved the way for the Derby-based rider to lap a fantastic 2’06.345.
On his penultimate lap the Brit set a new out-right circuit record, going an impressive seven tenths quicker than Takaaki Nakagami’s time from 2013. Lowes was one of six riders to reach the 2’06 bracket this afternoon, and was one tenth quicker than Alex Rins who bagged P2. Ajo Motorsports Johann Zarco completed the front row.
There was a crash involving Tito Rabat and Dominique Aegerter on the final lap. Rabat was taken off by on a stretcher, but fortunately he escaped with only a bruised knee. Pirelli National Superstock 600 regular, Bradley Ray will start from P31 on Sunday.
"I must up a little bit and I missed my board and I did one lap too many [a ran out of petrol], but when I tried to get under the fence I actually dropped my bike and I am glad no one saw that," said Lowes, speaking at the track.
"I knew after that I thought I could do a middle six and to do a six three is great. I am happy - I couldn't have worked in any better way to put myself in a position to win the race. I cant wait, whether it is wet or dry I feel good and I think I could be there and I am happy to get pole position."
