Moto2: Lowes needs to pull points back from Zarco

Sam Lowes says he’s going into this weekend’s Austrian Grand Prix with one clear target – to pull back championship points form reigning Moto2 champion Johann Zarco.

Zarco pulled clear of the chasing duo of Lowes and Alex Rins last time out in Germany, taking a win as both rivals crashed out. And with the Frenchman now enjoying a 25 point lead over Rins and with Lowes a further five back, he says they know what they need to take from the Red Bull Ring.

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“I’m really looking forward to Austria: obviously Germany was not good for us, so we need to get back into the fight for the Championship. I’m really focused and I feel ready: the MotoGP test in July was a nice experience, I enjoyed the circuit and even if I didn’t ride with the Moto2 I was able to learn the track, which has a really nice layout.

“I’m looking forward to a strong weekend and our goal is quite simple: we have to start to gain points back on Johann Zarco, and start winning races. During the summer break I have not done too much, I’ve just tried to train hard in order to be ready to fight for the last nine races of the Championship. I feel confident and I can’t wait to get to Austria!”

And Lowes has the full backing of his Federal Oil Gresini squad – with team boss Fausto Gresini echoing the former World Supersport champion’s thoughts.

“We are approaching a very important second part of the championship: we are still fighting for the title and we are determined to do our best to allow Sam to fight till the end.

“In Austria is going to start a demanding period of the season, with four races in one month: in these events our goal is to collect the best possible result, in order to make up ground on the leader of the standings. It won’t be easy, but we know we can succeed: the team is very close and Lowes has definitely the necessary grit to fight.”

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