Arbolino convinced he can fight ‘at the top’; Marc VDS ‘one of the best teams’

Tony Arbolino is convinced he can fight for victories in Moto2 after joining the Elf Marc VDS Racing Team for 2022. 

The Italian rider will line-up alongside Moto2 veteran Sam Lowes who will no doubt start the year as the team’s best hope for the title given his intermediate class record. 

Lowes, who has six wins in the last two seasons - nine in total - won’t have to contend with this season's top two Remy Gardner and Raul Fernandez after both riders moved up to MotoGP. 

For Arobilino though, the switch from Dynavolt Intact GP to Marc VDS is one that should see him fight for the top five and more on a consistent basis, which he’s ‘convinced’ will happen after joining a team he calls ‘one of the best in Moto2 history’. 

Arbolino said: "I decided to come to the Elf Marc VDS Racing Team because it is one of the best in the history of the Moto2 class. It’s a great emotion for me to be here and I’m looking forward to this new adventure. 

"My first season in Moto2 was difficult at times but I learned so much and when I was given the opportunity to join this team I didn’t even hesitate for one second. I’m so proud to be part of this project and so motivated to make it a success.

"I’m convinced that with the help from this team that I will be at the top soon and already I can’t wait to start the season."

While Arbolino believes he can fight at the front on a regular basis, the main focus heading into his second Moto2 season is to first and foremost improve as a rider.

"My main focus is to make another step as a rider and work on improving in the areas I need to,” added the 2020 Moto3 runner-up. 

"The reason I signed for this team though is because I want to show everybody what I am capable of in Moto2 and I’ve no doubt I will do that." 

Should Arbolino make a considerable step in 2022, battling with his new team-mate Lowes is something that could take place, similar to what we saw between the Brit and 2021 team-mate Augusto Fernandez.

During a recent interview with his new team, Arbolino called Lowes a ‘reference rider in this class’ and that he would often analyse the ex-MotoGP rider during his Moto3 days.  

Arbolino said: "Even when I was in Moto3 I have always tried to watch him closely because his results mean he is a reference rider in this class. 

"It is unbelievable to be in the same garage as him and I want to use his experience to help me progress. 

"I know he can help me a lot and hopefully I can also help him but being with him gives me a lot of confidence and motivation. 

"He’s a very good guy as well and I’m really looking forward to having a lot of fun with him inside and out of the track."