2017 Aprilia MotoGP rider Sam Lowes expects to make his RS-GP debut in 'around June' of this year.

Lowes has signed to spend one more season in Moto2, albeit moving to the same Gresini (Kalex) team that runs Aprilia's MotoGP project, before joining the premier-class.

"We have a small test plan in place, but a lot depends on how my season in Moto2 is going. I am very happy and excited to be going to MotoGP in 2017, but my goal and dream this year is to become Moto2 World Champion," Lowes told his official website.

"I will not ride the MotoGP bike until around June, as Fausto Gresini and Romano Albesiano [Aprilia Racing manager] and I agreed, we first need to get as many points on board in the [Moto2] series.

"The guys are also working hard to get the new MotoGP bike where it needs to be, so riding it any earlier doesn't make sense for me."

Asked on his thoughts on this season's MotoGP world championship, Lowes replied:

"This is always difficult! Jorge Lorenzo looked incredible at the first test in Malaysia but the others will soon catch up. I hope after last season that Valentino Rossi can also fight again.

"The Honda doesn't look so great at the moment and maybe the Ducati will be stronger than the past seasons with the new changes.

"Lorenzo has to be the favourite but I would guess that there will be two Yamahas and two factory Hondas in the top four places again. Honda will catch up for sure! It's going to be a great season and I can't wait to be there in 2017."



Lowes will be on track alongside his 2016 Moto2 rivals during the official Jerez test, which starts today.