Algarve Moto2: Lowes, Fernandez expect to fight for victory after first 1-2

Following their first 1-2 finish as Moto2 team-mates in Misano, Sam Lowes and Augusto Fernandez have victory on their mind hea🎃ding𝕴 to Portimao.
Despite having a pre-race long-lap penalty handed to him, Fernandez came through from as low as 13th to claim second, while Lowes took victory from pole position - his first race win🍌 since completing a season openin🐻g double in Qatar.
While Lowes took victory last time out, the former MotoGP rider is focused on achieving the same r👍esult after losing a potential win at this year’s earlier Portimao race.
As was the case in Misano, Lowes started from pole at the Algarve circuit, however, a poor start relega✤ted the Brit down to sixth heading towards turn one before he suffered a highside.
"I’m very excited to be heading back to Portimao this weeke♈nd because I love the track," said Lowes.
"We showed we had great potential there at the start of the year when I took pole position but unfortunately we couldn’t ꦏcapitalise in the race.♛
"Last year’s podium in Portugal ꧑and the win last time out in Misano means I go there with a lot of motivation and confidence.&𒁏nbsp;
"I’m in a gღood moment 🧸and will be looking to challenge for the win again to finish the season with positive results."
While Fernandez is still without a win compared to the 🗹three of Lowes so far in 2021, the Spaniard has been in stunning form of late.
Five podiums during the last eight races makes him a firm favorite to at least challenge for the podium once again this 𓂃weekend, i🌃f not more.
Fernandez 🦹added: "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.&🐈nbsp;
"I still did a very good job a few months ago, so going back now w🉐ith 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 challenge at the front and try to w꧂in."