Sam Lowes has confirmed that he will remain in Moto2 for 2019, returning to the Federal Oil Gresini Moto2 team with whom he completed a successful season in 2016.
Following his torrid 2017 season with Aprilia in the premier class, the Brit returned to Moto2 this year with the Swiss Innovative Investors team. His season has been one of mixed results so far, with 3 retirements and a best finish of fifth place. Currently, he is twelfth in the championship.
Lowes will no doubt want to return to his previous standard in Moto2, fighting at the front. With the Gresini team in 2016, Lowes achieved two wins and a total of six podiums, finishing the season fifth place overall in the standings.
“I am very happy to be working again with Gresini racing and Federal Oil; we have good memories together and unfinished business from both sides,” said Lowes.
“I have learnt a lot the last couple of seasons and now it’s the time to show it. I know the high level of this team and have 100% faith in them: my motivation is as high as ever and look forward to enjoying a new successful partnership with Gresini Racing, its partners and sponsors. Onit!”
In 2016, Lowes suffered six retirements over the season which prevented him from finishing higher in the championship. Now, with more experience, he will be hoping for an even better finish next season.
It’s not only Lowes that will be hoping for improvement, though; the team signed Jorge Navarro in 2017, who finished fourteenth at the end of the year. This season has also not been running smoothly for Navarro, despite some stronger results recently. Eleven rounds into the season, he has finished with no points on five occasions, including four retirements.
“Sam is a welcome return. He’s been with us for two seasons already and the first one in Moto2 was one to remember,” said team manager Fausto Gresini.
“I’m happy to be counting on his professionalism and talent, and with Federal Oil on our side again I’m confident we will be back towards the front of the field in the middleweight class.”
