The Elf Marc VDS Racing Team arrives at the spectacular Algarve International Circuit in a positive frame of mind after Sam Lowes and Augusto Fernandez took an incredible 1-2 last time out in Misano.

•  Morale and confidence could not be higher for Lowes and Fernandez after they helped secure a first 1-2 for Elf Marc VDS Racing since 2017 and a 50^th pole position for the Belgian squad on a weekend to remember on Italy’s Adriatic Coast.
• The determined duo kick off their bid for more success in Portugal this weekend at 1055am local time on Friday morning, while the 25-lap Moto2 race completes the race day action on Sunday with a scheduled start at 1430pm.

/// AUGUSTO FERNANDEZ

• The Spaniard produced his standout performance of the season in Misano to finish second after a sensational recovery from a long lap penalty that dropped him to 14^th in the early stages.
• Fernandez started sixth and finished a superb fifth on his last visit to Portimao back in April, but he is determined to build on a stunning recent run of form, which has taken the 24-year-old to five podium finishes in his last eight appearances.

“The goal will be to fight at the front and try to win”

“I’m really looking forward to returning to Portimao because when we raced there back in April, I didn’t have the same great feeling with the bike that I do now. I still did a very good job a few months ago, so going back now with such a positive feeling on the bike makes me very optimistic. I’m sure we can have a good weekend and end this season very strongly. The goal will be to fight at the front and try to win.”

/// SAM LOWES

• A third win from pole position in 2021 was the perfect outcome to a strong weekend for Lowes in Misano, who set a record for Moto2 poles ahead of his ninth career victory.
• A fractured right wrist couldn’t prevent the heroic 31-year-old from racing to third in Portimao 12 months ago and he qualified on pole position for the last visit to the undulating track back in April.

“I’m looking to challenge for the win again”

“I’m very excited to be heading back to Portimao this weekend because I love the track. We showed we had great potential there at the start of the year when I took pole position but unfortunately we couldn’t capitalise in the race. Last year’s podium in Portugal and the win last time out in Misano means I go there with a lot of motivation and confidence. I’m in a good moment and will be looking to challenge for the win again to finish the season with positive results.”