After a well-earned spring break, the Elf Marc VDS Racing Team is raring to return to action for an intense run of three races in three weeks at three iconic Grand Prix venues.

• The action resumes at the magnificent Mugello track in Italy this weekend, with Arbolino coming into his vital home round looking to build on his World Championship lead after his success last time out in front of a record crowd of 116,000 fans at Le Mans.
• The Moto2 action in round six gets underway on Friday morning at 950am, with lights out for the 19-lap race due at 1215pm on Sunday afternoon.

/// SAM LOWES

• Two poles and a win in the last two races show Lowes has recaptured his best form and he is confident he will be once again one of the main challengers for success at the fast and technical 5.2km Mugello track.
• Lowes currently sits seventh in the rankings but is only 17-points away from the top three and a big points haul in Mugello is his big target on a track that suits the Briton’s attacking riding style.
• Lowes has one podium finish in his career at the undulating Mugello track which came with third place in 2016 from pole position.

“My clear target is to be back on the podium”

“Mugello is always a track that I really enjoy racing at. It’s a track that suits my style and I’ve had some great races there in the past and I can’t get wait to get going this weekend. Le Mans wasn’t the result we wanted having shown our speed throughout the weekend, but we had great pace in France, and I see no reason why we can’t be strong again in Mugello. I’m confident we’ll be in the fight at the front and my clear target is to be back on the podium.”

/// TONY ARBOLINO

•  Arbolino arrives in Mugello in great shape both on and off the track, with the Italian star looking to increase his 25-point lead in the World Championship after a sensational start to 2023.
• Four wins and seven podiums in his last nine races mean Arbolino is currently the man to beat in the ultra-competitive Moto2 category and the support of a passionate home crowd is all the incentive he needs to continue his golden run.
• Arbolino has experienced the special taste of a home win before when he won the Moto3 race at Mugello in 2019 and he finished a strong fourth last year in Moto2.

“I feel ready to put on another great show”

“It feels great to be back racing again after the three-week break and I can’t wait because it is my home round in Mugello. I’ve been working hard both mentally and physically for this period of three races in three weeks, but this weekend is going to be very special for me. I’m excited and confident for the weekend and I take a lot of motivation knowing a lot of fans are coming to watch me and support me. I love the track and we arrive in fantastic form after the win in Le Mans and I feel ready to put on another great show.”