SBK, Lowes: "The Bimota? Time for some fresh air, in some places it is superior to the Kawasaki"

Third overall at the end of the two-day post-season test at the Jerez de La Frontera circuit, Alex Lowes said he was satisfied with his first on-track approach with the Bimota.

"It's the first time on this bike, but I have to say that the sensations were positive - he said - Even though I have actually spent a lot of time on the Kawasaki, I felt immediately comfortable and also because of that we were able to try a few things so I could understand how the changes impacted the behavior and my feeling because it's clear that then in the race it will be different. I was familiar with the old bike and on weekends you could make small changes. The Bimota is quite different, so I still have to figure out what I need. I'll have to start from scratch, but that's okay," was the British rider's analysis.

Compared to the ZX-10RR, he noticed an important difference. "You can corner more naturally and less effort is required, which is good, the same goes for less hop, so it's more fun in the straights, while I need to implement the feeling at the front. As mentioned, since I felt good right away we tried several new things, and that was energy-consuming. To test the different parts I tried to keep the same pace and overall I am happy," was his positive assessment.

"Clearly I know this circuit well, so we'll have to see the others. There are several new elements, from aerodynamics, to the chassis, so now it's hard to pinpoint what makes the bike better. With which tire did I set the time? The Q, but even with the XI was fast. It was good to show that I had a good pace. I lapped in 1'39 most of the time. The grip here is high, but the pace satisfied me and I think there is room for growth," he considered before dwelling on his own mood.

"I'm excited about the project, although sad to leave the green Kawasaki. It's strange as soon as the race is over to get on another bike, in any case there is a lot of enthusiasm in the box. I think it was time for some fresh air," he pointed out, "Expectations for this session? It is obvious that when you put on the soft tire you are fast, Bassani was even faster. As for us, we still have to measure ourselves on different set-ups, tracks and conditions, as well as distance. The goal is to do the best we can, keeping in mind that Friday at Phillip Island will be the first real test. For the rest, we have to be realistic and just try to make progress."