The final European round before a seven-race overseas tour takes place at the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli this weekend, with Sam Lowes and Tony Arbolino hungry for success in round 12 of 20.

• A difficult Catalan Grand Prix last weekend has only strengthened the Elf Marc VDS Racing Team’s determination to be fighting at the front again on Italy’s Adriatic coast.
• Lowes and Arbolino get the action underway on Friday morning with the opening practice session starting at 950am, with the 22-lap race due to begin at 1215pm on Sunday.

/// SAM LOWES

• Lowes showed all his battling qualities at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya last weekend to finish just a second away from the top six, a result which keeps him within striking distance of the top five in the World Championship.
• The British star, who celebrates his 33^rd birthday next week, has great memories of Misano with a win from pole in the 2021 Emilia Romagna round and a third place a year earlier.
• Lowes missed last year’s Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli encounter while he recovered from a serious left shoulder injury.

“I feel we’re not far off a big result”

“I always look forward to the Misano race because it is like a second home race for me. I love the track because it is technical and challenging for a rider and I have gone well there recently. We must improve on results from the last few races and we know that, but I feel like we are moving in the right direction. My race pace has been good, but I need to be better in qualifying to make life a bit easier. I feel like we’re not far off another big result and it would be great for that to happen in Misano. I certainly feel we’re capable of fighting for the podium.”

/// TONY ARBOLINO

• The chance to shine in front of his home crowd is all the incentive and inspiration Arbolino needs heading to Misano after a complicated Catalunya weekend left him outside of the points.
• The 23-year-old fought for the win in the Moto3 race in San Marino back in 2019 before he finished third from the front row of the grid.
• His best result in Moto2 came 12 months when he finished seventh after an exciting late duel with current World Championship rival Pedro Acosta.

 “You feel the passion of the fans”

“I’m glad we are back on track this weekend in Misano because it gives us the perfect opportunity to bounce back quickly from Catalunya. I’m looking to be strong again this weekend and as you can imagine I have a big, big motivation to perform well because whenever you race in Italy you feel the passion of the fans. Catalunya was not easy, but we are going to give our maximum to be back fighting for the podium again and I’m confident that our hard work will be rewarded.”