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During the Pata-Yamaha Crescent Superbike presentation, Alex Lowes played a starring role and is perhaps the most highly-anticipated rider of the upcoming SBK season.
Yes, because the Brit is ready for his second season in the championship wearing the blue Yamaha colours. He knows the Iwata R1 better than anyone else: “the tests we've completed so far have gone very well - he states with satisfaction- of course we still have some issues to resolve as there are a few aspects of the bike we're not happy with, but we've taken a significant step forward. I'm excited about the prospect of this season: the team is working fantastically well and we want to score some good results, we need to”.
Where have you had to work on the bike to improve?
“We've changed some details in terms of the frame, also working on the settings; there was a lot to do with the electronics too, to give me more confidence with the R1. I'm looking ahead to understand what my level will be in the races”.
As well as the SBK championship, Lowes took part in the Suzuka 8 Hours last years, on a team with Pol Espargarò and Nakasuga, and they won it. This result has definitely seen the #22 rider earn the respect of the Japanese manufacturer, and his candidacy for the 2017 edition is still a possibility: “competing in and winning such an extraordinary race was great fun, I really enjoyed the experience. My main goal is to do well in SBK but if I get a call from Japan, I'd be happy to go back to Suzuka”.
Speaking of goals, is the podium now in your sights?
“Yes, the podium positions are now my goal and I'll try to get there as soon as possible; I believe in myself and think we've reduced the gap from the strongest teams. I also think that this year's SBK will be very interesting, also thanks to the introduction of the inverted race 2 grid. In any case, I'll try to make the best possible startì”.
In 2016 Lowes also raced in MotoGP, standing in for Bradley Smith on Hervè Poncharal's Tech3 Yamaha. Alex really enjoyed the experience of racing in the Top Class, stating that: “if we consider I jumped on the M1 without having completed any tests, I didn't do too badly; I had this amazing opportunity and think I was quite fast, making the best use of the time I had available. Of course, as I've already said, my main goal is to do well with the Yamaha R1 in SBK. I want to deserve the MotoGP by doing well in SBK”.
