It was only 0.048 splitting Loris Baz (Reale Avintia Racing) and Sam Lowes (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini) over the line at MotorLand Aragon, and both men found it tough going after dry track time was lost due to bad weather on Friday. After missing out on points in the last European race ahead of the paddock's move to Asia, now the race is on to reset for Japan, where the Twin Ring Motegi hails the first of the three ‘flyaway’ races – which should suit the Ducati of Baz and should give Lowes more dry time on track as the rookie continues his learning curve.
Loris Baz, P21: “It was a tough race and really difficult to manage; everything we tried during the weekend didn’t work and we were not able to improve. We always had the same issues, I lost grip everywhere. I had a good start and I was in the same group with Pol (Espargaró). I tried my best to stay with them, but it was impossible. I started to lose positions and staying on the bike was really tough. It’s a shame because I really wanted to score some points today, there are only four races left and I want to get the best out of them. Today was a disaster from the beginning to the end. We’ll see if things change for Japan where the bike should work better. I just want to enjoy riding these last races in MotoGP with my team.”
Sam Lowes, P22: “Unfortunately, I struggled on Saturday, I think partly because of the characteristics of the track that gave a lot of us MotoGP rookies trouble. I knew that my pace wouldn't be the fastest today, but I was able to be consistent and not make any mistakes, finishing the race. Obviously, my objective is different, but on a less than easy weekend with only a few sessions held on dry asphalt to prepare for the race, I need to look at the positive aspects and think about Japan.”