Gowland to race Moto2 machine in Spain

British Superbike rider Graeme Gowland is to test with the FTR Moto2 team ahead of a race appearance in Spain next month.

FTR began preparations for the inaugural Moto2 season next year by testing the M209 at Circuit de Catalunya over the weekend with the Joe Darcey team.

Diego Lozano rode the bike during practice at the fifth round of the CEV Buckler Spanish Championship before the decision was made to enter the bike in the race. A minor technical issue would prevent Lozano from finishing.

"The performance on Friday and Saturday was far beyond our expectations," said FTR Moto director Steve Bones. "The machine was only presented in London last Wednesday then shipped to Barcelona for this initial shakedown.

"We made good progress on Friday with Diego and improved dramatically on Saturday and in the end we were close to the best Moto2 times. The Joe Darcey Team worked exceptionally well with the new machine and we've definitely achieved a lot more than we expected at this stage."

Despite failing to finish its debut race, FTR will forge ahead with its testing schedule, signing up Gowland and Kev Coghlan to ride the bike at Albacete. Gowland will then race the machine during the final two Spanish rounds at Jerez and Valencia next month.

Gowland, a former Spanish Supersport front runner, finished his first season of Superbikes with Motorpoint/Henderson Yamaha in 15th position overall.