Lowes on Gresini return: 'All I think about is winning'

“All I think about at every moment is winning races, I want to fight for the world championship again,” said Sam Lowes as he discusses his return to the Gresini Moto2 squad for 2019.

“When I go racing it's to win, and in my heart and my head I feel that there's so much to be positive about with Gresini next year. When I talked to Fausto he was so positive and to be back working with my old crew chief, Tommaso Raponi, is massive for me.

"Tommaso was probably the best I've ever worked with, and we had such a good relationship that I'm excited for next year already.”

Returning to old haunts is a passage of life, but for Lowes he'll be hoping that history can repeat itself. The former World Supersport champion joined Gresini in 2016, and promptly became a title contender for the squad by claiming three podiums in the opening four races.

The knowledge of what he can do with the Italian squad has certainly played a key role in making the switch from the Swiss Innovative Investors KTM squad.

“This year hasn't worked out as I wanted, we've been a bit unlucky with sponsors and some other factors, and it's just not been the team that I expected it to be. That's nothing against the guys in the team, because they're great but I wanted something better for next year because I know that I want to win. I've won races with Gresini before, and I know what they can do. In 2016 I was winning races and fighting for the world championship until that crash at Silverstone.”

“The second half of that season was tougher for me because I had already started testing the MotoGP bike, and I lost my way a little bit with the Moto2 bike as a result. Now all I'm focusing on is Moto2 and I'm back where I want to be.

"The team are great, they're established and they've got a great relationship with all their partners. In Moto2 it's such a tight class that you need to have that relationship with Ohlins or Kalex or any other partner. That's what we'll have next year, and that's even more important with the changes that we'll see in the class in 2019.”

With a new engine supplier for next season, having strong relationships with your chassis and suspension suppliers will be crucial, and that's something that Lowes is keen to take advantage of.

As one of most trusted Ohlins riders in the past, his feedback was crucial in the development of their Moto2 product. Having ridden a wide range of bikes in recent years, Lowes feels that his feedback can be crucial in developing the new bike around the Triumph engine.

“I've ridden a lot of different bikes in my career. I've ridden three different Moto2 bikes, I've ridden in MotoGP and I've ridden in WorldSSP, so I have a lot of experience. That's a big asset for any team and for Kalex it'll be really positive to have the data from the test to work over the winter and get it ready for 2019. “

“It's clear that the KTM can win races in Moto2, but it was tough for us because we were unlucky with sponsors. I really hope that the team can sort that out for the future, because they're a good team but it's a hard time at the minute because parts and upgrades aren't coming for us.

"For next year I had such a good feeling with Kalex in the past. The bike is great but so are the people. They're very straight with you and they support you a lot. In 2016 I had so much support from Gresini, Kalex and Ohlins and that's what I want to get back to.”

“Gresini is such a professional team and when I rode for them before I was given everything I needed or asked for. Whether it was parts or people he was always there to do what needed to be done. That's important in racing but even more so for next year, because there'll be so much changing in the class.

"I believe in the team and the crew chief and I can't wait to get there. I'll test the bike for the first time in November at Jerez, and that'll be exciting to get started. I don't think that the bike will be a massive change, there'll be some more electronics and some changes as a result but it won't be a night and day difference.”

With his future now confirmed, the 27-year-old is confident that he can focus on enjoying the rest of the year and fighting at the front. Recent races have seen signs of progress and with his home Grand Prix around the corner, Lowes is focused on Silverstone.

“This year hasn't been what we expected, but there's still a job to be done and it starts this weekend at Silverstone. We've had some good races and good results, but I want to be strong for the rest of the season. I know some people will think that I'm exaggerating but I want to fight for the win at Silverstone.

"In Brno I was the fastest on track at the end of the race, and I think that at my home race with all the support and how I feel I can fight for the podium. I'm not fighting for the championship so I can take an extra risk here and there.

"I love racing at home, I love seeing the fans and I love Silverstone. I can't wait for it.”