Elf Marc VDS’ Sam Lowes will take no further part in the Malaysian Grand Prix following Friday Moto2 practice.
A challenging first day at the Sepang International Circuit saw Lowes tentatively up to speed with his continuing shoulder recovery, circulating 20th in the raging heat of FP1 as track temperatures hit 37℃ with humidity at 89%.
The afternoon, however, saw heavy rain hit the Kuala Lumpur circuit with a tropical downpour catching the Brit out with a slow speed off at turn 13. The team has therefore taken the decision to withdraw the 32-year-old from the remainder of the weekend due to a lack of strength in his left shoulder.
"Honestly, there’s not much to say,” a dejected Lowes admitted from Malaysia. “I feel very sad and disappointed to have to get off the bike because I’ve worked so hard every day to be able to recover and get back to where I was before the injury.
“I’m giving everything to do that but my physical condition is still not optimal.
“It’s against my wish, which is always to give my everything out on track, that the team has decided it’s best that I withdraw from the Malaysian Grand Prix for my physical well-being and long-term recovery.”