Britain’s Sam Lowes fought back from a bad start, and a difficult weekend, to complete the German GP in fifth position at the Sachsenring this afternoon.

Falling as far back as 14th by the second lap, the Marc VDS rider recovered quickly to sit ninth for the majority of the mid-race - firmly on the back of the second group, which held potential for podium contention.

Seemingly ignoring any neck pain endured from his Friday crash, the Brit’s last lap move on Marcel Schrotter - added to late falls from Xavi Vierge and Ai Ogura - saw him secure fifth at the flag, with the eleven points garnered strengthening his fourth place in the championship standings, 78 behind leader Remy Gardner.

“I’m quite happy with the race as we struggled all weekend.” Lowes admitted from the Sachsenring this afternoon.

“The team gave me a good bike and I stayed in the group. I was really close to the podium in terms of pace but I lost too much time again at the start.

“On the first lap I was a bit too nervous and didn’t have a great feeling, then as the race went on I improved. I was quite fast compared to the podium guys.

“I obviously didn’t have anything for Remy, who was a big step in front but I’m really quite happy to get eleven points. I’m looking forward to getting to Assen, one of my favourite tracks, next week.”