Elf Marc VDS Racing has concluded a productive and positive one-day Dunlop tyre test at the Jerez track in Spain, with the Belgian squad thrilled to welcome Tony Arbolino for his first public appearance in the Team’s famous livery.

• Damp and cool conditions prevented Sam Lowes and Arbolino from venturing out on track yesterday, but they were able to circulate in more favourable weather today.
• Arbolino enjoyed a busy but positive final day on track in 2021 while assessing a range of tyres for Dunlop and acquainting himself with his new crew for next season.
• Lowes limited his time on track today while still in considerable discomfort from the right foot injury he suffered during the opening practice session ahead of the final round in Valencia earlier this month.

/// SAM LOWES

“I’ll focus on being strong when we return in 2022”

“We weren’t able to complete as many laps as I’d hoped coming into this test, but my foot was more painful than I expected. On a race weekend there’s not much time to think about an injury and the adrenaline always helps block out the pain. But at a test there’s more time to think and my foot felt quite sore. Track conditions weren’t fantastic, and I didn’t feel like I was able to push at my limit to give Dunlop the correct information and feedback required, so it was the right decision to stop and begin the recovery in the winter. It’s still been a positive test from the perspective of meeting some new members in the Team and sharing some time with Tony. The atmosphere is really good between everybody and that’s a great way to go into the winter break so I can focus on being strong when we get going again in 2022.”

/// TONY ARBOLINO

 “Already in this Team I feel we can achieve great results in 2022”

“Honestly, I’m feeling a bit tired at the end of the day because I did 96 laps, but it feels fantastic to begin working with my crew and this Team and we did a lot of good work. I instantly felt at home and comfortable with my crew and I felt very good on the bike, and we made some positive improvements throughout the day. The important thing now is to enjoy the winter break and have a good rest because already I feel like in this Team we can achieve great results in 2022.”