Source: Supplied.

Aprilia Racing Team Gresini’s 2017 newcomer Sam Lowes had another opportunity to sample the factory RS-GP during the Red Bull Ring MotoGP test in Austria, making more progress amongst a host of premier class regulars.

Current Moto2 title challenger Lowes didn’t have a transponder fitted during his laps in Spielberg, but said it was another positive shakedown before his fulltime switch next year alongside Aleix Espargaro.

“After the first contact in Misano, I’m beginning to feel more and more at ease astride the RS-GP,” Lowes said. “It is a positive trend. I improved every time I went out and we began to work on the bike setup to adapt it to my riding style. We have more tests scheduled with Aprilia, but at the moment I am pleased with the level we have achieved.

“The track is very nice. There are some tight corners and flowing sections. Overall it’s fun. It isn’t very difficult to learn, you just have to remember the right reference points on the blind corners. Let’s just say that, after riding the RS-GP, the straight stretches will seem even longer with the Moto2 bike!”

Lowes will now revert his attention to his Moto2 World Championship bid, where he currently sit third as part of Team Gresini’s program, 30 points behind defending champion Johann Zarco and five behind Alex Rins – all three due for the premier class next season.