His twin brother may be looking for a ride in the World Superbike Championship, but former MotoGP rider Sam Lowes has assured his immediate future with a deal that will take him to multiple champions Marc VDS Racing in Moto2 2020
The British rider swaps from Gresini Racing to Marc VDS Racing to take the place of Petronas Sprinta-bound Xavi Vierge. He will join Alex Marquez, who is currently on course for the 2019 title after five wins after he re-signed with the Belgian outfit for 2020.
“I am very happy and grateful to have the opportunity to join what I consider to be the best Moto2 team,” Lowes said. “Alex Marquez is doing a great job this year and having him as a team-mate will allow me to learn a lot from him.
I have gone through some difficult times throughout my career and I think my time has finally come. I’m really looking forward to working with everyone on the team.
“It’s a dream come true and I will do everything in my power to return the confidence placed in me in the form of great results.”
Sam Lowes’ best shot at becoming Moto2 World Champion?
Lowes’ deal to join Marc VDS Racing is the latest turn in a career path that has meandered with differing fortunes since he stepped up to the grand prix ranks in the wake of his crowning 2013 World Supersport Championship title.
A switch to Moto2 in 2014 brought strong results over the following three seasons – including three wins and 11 podiums – but he never a sustained title challenge, with his best finish being fourth overall in 2015.
An ill-fated move into MotoGP with Aprilia in 2017 – which was cancelled one year into a two-year deal after poor results – resulted in Lowes returning to Moto2 in 2018, where he has struggled to show more than flashes of strong form.
However, the move to Marc VDS represents a golden opportunity for Lowes to finally prove his worth with a team that has largely established itself as the force of Moto2. With Marquez heading in the right direction for the title, it would be the team’s third riders’ Moto2 title.
“It’s great news to add Sam to our team,” Marc van der Straten, team owner, added. “We know him well and we know his talent as a rider and his values as a person.
“He shares the philosophy of the team, our way of seeing and doing things, and that's very important. He has proven to be a fast rider, but I think he can still give a lot more in a team like ours that will put all the tools available at his disposal.
“I am convinced that he can bring us great success and happiness. Without a doubt with Alex, they will form a great pairing that we hope to see regularly on the podium.”
