Elf Marc VDS’ Sam Lowes is ‘playing catch up’ in Assen after an FP2 crash derailed his Moto2 Dutch GP preparations on Friday.
Heavy morning rain and cleaning afternoon provided the opportunity for Lowes to evaluate Dunlop’s new rear wet tyre with the Brit completing the opening 40-minute session sixth in the standings.
A closely-matched afternoon on a drying track saw the top 20 covered by just a second, with Lowes initially claiming a top four position before a turn four crash on his ninth lap slid him out of contention, uninjured but with the bike unable to return to action in the second half.
“Unfortunately, it didn’t turn out to be a very good day,” Lowes confirmed from Assen. “I felt strong with Dunlop’s new rear rain tyre, so that was a positive this morning.
“The crash in FP2 though was disappointing because it meant we only did a small number of laps in the best conditions of the day, so we’re playing a bit of catch up going into tomorrow.
“The important thing is I wasn’t hurt and thankfully it looks like tomorrow and Sunday we are going to have dry weather. If it is wet, I felt strong this morning but if it’s dry then we have some improvements to make, but I’m confident we can be stronger as the grip levels get better.”
