Sam Lowes to miss final day of Portimao Moto2 test due to 'tendonitis issue'

Nine-time Moto2 race winner Sam Lowes has elected not to take part in today’s final day of official testing in Portimao after suffering with an on-going tendonitis issue in his left wrist. 

The Elf Marc VDS rider, who demonstrated solid pace during the opening session of day two, could only manage 20th on combined times after a crash during the second session led to the Brit foregoing S3. 

Lowes will now undergo intensive treatment ahead of next month’s season opener at Losail, Qatar.

While optimism remains that he can be competitive during the same round he did the double at last year, Lowes is also being ‘realistic’ about his chances. 

Lowes added: "Today I was struggling with the feeling on the bike and unfortunately the tendonitis issue is certainly not helping. I need laps to find the limit of the bike and it is not ideal to be in this position with the first race just two weeks away. 

"We’ve taken the decision to stop and try and recover as best as possible for Qatar, but honestly, I’d like to have been more prepared. 

"I’m going to work at my maximum between now and Qatar but going to the first race I must be realistic about what to expect and what we can achieve. 

"I’ll keep a positive attitude and remain optimistic that we will still be very competitive at the first race."

For Lowes’ new team-mate Tony Arbolino, day two in Portimao was a solid one for the Italian who finished just under a second away from Aron Canet. 

Arbolino ended the day in 11th place after making several steps forward with the set-up of his Kalex machine, however, the 21 year-old still feels ‘my true potential’ is yet to come. 

"We are improving the bike a lot on each day of testing, and I feel today was another very positive day," added Arbolino. 

"The team did another incredible job and their motivation to help me and the belief they have in me is helping a lot. 

"We are working in the right direction, but I still think there is more to come before I’m able to show my true potential. I’m very consistent but I’d like to be a little bit faster. 

"The good thing is I know we have margin to improve, and this is important because we are not at the limit. If we keep working like this then I’ve no doubt we will be strong right from the first race."