AFTER a great qualifying session Andover's Jake Archer struggled to find his pace in the final two races of the Moto2 season at Brands Hatch last weekend

Riding the Kovara Projects by RS Racing Kalex bike he came away from the Kent circuit with a seventh in race one and an sixth in the second.

In qualifying, a switch to a wet tyre on the front and a slick on the rear proved a good decision as Archer posted a time 1:36.560 putting him 16th on the combined British Supersport and GP2 grid and fourth in the Moto2 class.

Unfortunately in the 12-lap sprint race, Archer and the team’s efforts went unrewarded.

The number 47 rider had a difficult start and dropped back down the field of Supersport and Moto2 machines.

He then had an uphill battle to get back to the GP2 riders ahead.

Although he did manage to close the gap to some extent he was only able to cross the line in seventh position at the flag.

Archer’s problems in race one meant he lined up 22nd on the combined grid for the 18 lap feature race. He made a better start this time and went on to set his fastest lap of the weekend.

Despite his efforts he crossed the line sixth in the GP class and collected 10 more championship points, so he finished his rookie season on a Moto2 in eighth overall.

Jake Archer said,” It has been a challenging season in Moto2. We have had a lot to learn but we have made progress at each round.

“I must thank Kovara Projects by RS Racing for providing a well prepared Kalex Moto2 at each meeting.

"Also to all my sponsors, Kovara Projects, City Lifting, Euroclad, Radmat, Sureweld, Freedom Caravans, Four Ways Property Maintenance, Griffin Cleaning, and HJC Helmets, without who I would not be racing.

“Also, of course my Dad who has been such a big part of my racing all throughout my life.

He added: "Now it is time to sit down and prepare for next year. Kovara Projects have already agreed to help with sponsorship again in 2020 so I look forward to seeing you next season.”

“Thank you to all the fans that have supported me this year, and the Andover Advertiser’s continued coverage."