Sam Lowes didn't even take part in last year's Qatar Moto2 Grand Prix due to pre-season injuries, but the Briton made a perfect return to Lo🌊sail with a double victory from pole position in the 2021 season openers.

The Marc VDS♚ rider held off the fellow Kalex of Ajo's Remy Gardner in both Losail races to take a 10-point title lead into the opening European event at Portimao next weekend.

“We had three weeks here in the desert with very changeable conditions. It was definitely not easy. But I think we sa🐼ved the best for last!" said Lowes, is the first British rider to win the opening two races of the season in the intermediate category since Mike Hailwood in 🌳1966.

"That was a really fꦯast race pace –𝄹 the fastest we’ve had in Qatar in Moto2. I’m really happy with how I approached these two races. I feel I’ve improved in myself and can be more relaxed in the race.

"I know it’s only🍌 the start of the year, but it’s been a really good start. To have somebody behin𒁃d me all race and not make any mistakes is really important and that will give me a lot of confidence.

"🏅When I won ⭕last year and last week [2.2s], I had a bigger gap so this was a bit different, but I managed fine and felt really comfortable."

Portimao was where Lowes, riding with a wrist fracture, narrowly lost out on the 2020 title after a final round showdo൩wn with Enea Bastianini and Luca Marini.

"I’m looking forward to getting to Portugal and being able to ride there with two hands this tim🐻e!" he joked. "Last year that wasn’t tꦐhe case.

"We’ve had a great few weeks, everyone is ready for home and I co🌳uldn’t be ♔happier to take 50 points back.”