The penultimate round of the 2025 WorldSBK Championship this weekend brings the Elf Marc VDS Racing Team and Sam Lowes to the Estoril track in Portugal ahead of the final showdown of the season in Jerez

Lowes travels to the Iberian Peninsula determined to deliver a strong finish to his second season in the WorldSBK Championship and add to his impressive tally of five podiums so far in 2025.

The action in round 11 starts with FP1 at 1035am local time on Friday morning.

A short drive from the capital of Lisbon, Estoril can pose a tricky challenge with its proximity to the Atlantic coast tending to produce unpredictable weather conditions.

Lowes though is confident that rain or shine he will once again be in the hunt for the rostrum having scored top three finishes recently at Donington Park, Balaton Park and MotorLand Aragon.

The 35-year-old is looking to be more in contention for the top places this weekend after he was unable to unleash his full potential in Estoril 12 months ago while still recovering from a left shoulder injury.

Last year was the first time Lowes had raced at the 4.18km track and he scored a best finish of 13^th in Race 1 having finished only one second away from the top 10 after being involved in an intense four-rider battle.

“I believe we have the potential for the top five”

“I’m excited to go to Estoril even if it is a track that I don’t know that well. Last year was the first time I’ve raced there, and it wasn’t an easy weekend because I was recovering from an injury, and the weather didn’t give us the dry track time we’d have ideally liked to be as best prepared as possible. I still need to learn a few tricks about the track but my speed in the last few rounds has been positive and I’m looking for three solid rides this weekend. I’d be happy with three top five finishes, and I believe we have the potential to do that and I can’t wait to get started. I’m looking forward to having a strong last two rounds to have a base to build on going into 2026.”