SCINTILLATING SECOND FOR ARBOLINO IN INAUGURAL INDIAN GP!

Tony Arbolino made a welcome podium return at the Buddh International Circuit with a comfortable second place while Sam Lowes finished 19th after being taken out on the first lap.

Conditions for the 13th Moto2 race of 2023 were among the most challenging of the year with Elf Marc VDS Racing Team riders Sam Lowes and Tony Arbolino facing ambient temperatures of 34 degrees and 66% humidity.

A five-rider pile up at the first corner led to an early red flag. The race was then restarted over a reduced distance of 12 laps, when it was originally supposed to be run over 17.

Starting from 12th, Sam got a decent getaway but was soon the victim of an unfortunate move at Turn 4 on the first lap, when he was taken out by Aron Canet.

The 33-year old was able to rejoin and valiantly fought until the end. Showing rhythm good enough to be fighting for the podium, Sam climbed from 24th on lap 2 to 19th at the flag.

Sam now sits 13th in the World Championship with 74 points.

Coming through from 7th on the grid, Tony got his customary supreme start and had made up 4 places in the first 5 turns. He then neatly took 2nd from Sergio Garcia at the close of lap 1.

Despite suffering from a lack of rear grip in the track’s numerous long, right corners, the 23-year pulled clear of Garcia and Joe Roberts to finish a comfortable 2nd, 3.5s back of victor Pedro Acosta.

Tony’s 7th podium of the year, and first since the Sachsenring, keeps him 2nd in the World Championship with 197 points, 39 behind leader Acosta.

SAM LOWES, 19th , + 54.448 s.

“Obviously disappointed by today’s race. I was taken down by another rider again – that’s a couple of times it’s happened this year, so it’s rather frustrating. But it was really positive to have podium pace after, and that’s something we can take away from this weekend. We need to try and improve our performance on Saturdays so I can be in a better position on the first lap than where we were today. I’m a bit sad, a bit frustrated after today. But I have to just keep my head down, keep working hard and take the positives from this weekend. I’m sure things will come good soon, because our pace is good and that’s the main thing. Thanks to the team as always for doing a good job this weekend and we’ll keep going!”

TONY ARBOLINO, 2nd , + 3.543 s.

“I have to say at the end it was a great race. We did two starts today and the first one was incredible! I gained six positions in four corners. I’m just happy and pleased with the great feeling we have back on the bike again. The only thing we can do is just keep going and believing that we can do great results like this in the races that are coming up. We can still try to improve one or two things on the bike to give me a better feeling. But we’ll keep focussed because we have another race next week. We need to be happy and enjoy the day today before resting a bit. Tomorrow we’ll get back to work so I can recover that winning feeling!”