Sam Lowes and the Elf Marc VDS Racing Team endured a tricky Sunday at Magny-Cours during the eighth round of the WorldSBK Championship as the Briton was forced to retire from Race 2.

/// SAM LOWES, Superpole Race: 16^th, Race 2: DNF

• Like Saturday, warm up at Magny-Cours was held in fully wet conditions. Yet the track had dried by the time the Superpole Race started at 11.00 local time. Starting from 20^th, Lowes fought through to 16^th in the race which was held over 10 laps.
• The track was completely dry for Race 2, which got underway at 15.30. The 33-year old had a solid start, gained two positions on the second lap and was running a solid rhythm. But a technical issue forced Sam to retire on lap 13.
• A tough weekend in France means Sam sits 18^th in the World Championship with 40 points.

“I have to turn the page as soon as possible”

“It’s hard to put a situation like this into words. We had good pace and in Race 2 a technical problem cut my progress and forced me to retire from the race. I’m disappointed about what happened but I have to turn the page as soon as possible and focus on preparing for the next round.”