Aprilia has said it would like Sam Lowes to perform well in the next two grands prix in order for him to secure his future with the Italian marque for next year.
Despite being on a two-year contract with the Noale factory – which the Briton is steadfast in his claims it is watertight – Lowes has been put under intense pressure to perform after a difficult start to his MotoGP career.
The British rider has only qualified outside of the top 20 once in the first nine rounds and has scored just two points after finishing 14th at the French Grand Prix, but has started to show flashes of speed.
This has not gone unnoticed by Aprilia boss Romano Albesiano, but the Italian still wants more from Lowes from the Czech and Austrian races.
“We would really like to give him more chance,” Albesiano told Autosport.com.
“It’s very difficult for a rookie. We are seeing some special performances from rookies, which are unbelievable.
“Normally, even a very good rider takes time to get to the level.
“He has showed some good signs of improvement, I’m really hoping he will show us more in these (next) two races to finally be able to confirm him.”
Aprilia had courted former rider Alvaro Bautista and Danilo Petrucci, but both secure their futures with Aspar and Pramac respectively just before the summer break.
Lowes pleased with Friday pace despite tumble
A late tumble at the downhill right of Schwantz corner late in second practice left Lowes with a cut on his foot which required stitches, but proved to be the only low point of the opening day of action at Brno.
Lowes comes into the Czech weekend armed with one RS-GP identical to that of team-mate Aleix Espargaro’s, and was happy with his pace in both sessions.
17th in the wet first practice, Lowes ended the afternoon session 22nd on a 1m56.638s and was only halted from pulling himself up the order because of his crash at the end of the day.
“When I crashed I hit the footpeg with the outside of my right foot,” said the Briton.
“They gave me stitches in the Clinica, but it won’t be a big problem for the weekend.
“Besides the fall, I am really pleased with the way we started. I was fast in both sessions. The team did a great job during the break.
“The package we have here really is a step forward. Only having done one session on the dry track, we still have room to improve.
“I did my best time with the medium tyre, but I crashed with the soft, so I cant wait to get back on track tomorrow.”
