Tony Arbolino 'optimistic' of being competitive in Qatar

Tony Arbolino believes a competitive showing at next weekend’s 2022 Moto2 season opener in Qatar is a very realistic possibility. 

The Italian, who took part in his first official test for Elf Marc VDS earlier in the week, finished the three day Portimao test in 11th spot - +1.066s down on current Moto3 world champion Pedro Acosta. 

While Arbolino enjoyed a solid and consistent test, the same can’t be said for team-mate Sam Lowes who had to miss out on the final day due to a tendinitis problem in his left hand. 

Although Lowes is aiming to be ready for the Qatar grand prix in just ten days time, Arbolino could be leading the team’s charge as he did during the final day of testing. 

"We have worked incredibly hard over these three days in Portimao, and we made a lot of changes to the bike to find our ideal base set-up heading to the first race in Qatar," said Arbolino. 

"The crew really had to work so hard but I’m sure this will be rewarded when we go racing. 

"We have understood a lot of things about our package at this test and we also found solutions to some of our problems, so we go to Qatar optimistic that we can be competitive. 

"If we continue to work in the way we have done during winter testing then we can achieve some great results together this season. My crew and I go to Qatar fully motivated to show our best potential in the first race."

While the Moto2 class is shaping up to be as competitive as ever in 2022, Arbolino could have a real chance of achieving his best result yet, which would mean a maiden intermediate class podium. 

As a rookie Arbolino claimed four top ten finishes with a best result of fourth coming at Le Mans.