The Elf Marc VDS Racing Team and Sam Lowes have taken the incredibly difficult decision to withdraw from the remainder of the final WorldSBK round of 2025 at the Circuito de Jerez-Angel Nieto in Spain

Lowes produced a truly heroic effort to qualify on the front row of the grid in today’s Superpole session, having set the second fastest time in FP3 to kick off day two in Andalucia

But continuing pain and discomfort from a damaged left rib suffered in a recent training accident and the risk of further aggravating the injury resulted in the tough decision to withdraw ahead of the 20-lap Race 1

^{// SAM LOWES: UNFIT}

Determined to end 2025 on a high note, Lowes rode through the pain barrier to place inside the top three in two practice sessions on Friday.

The 35-year-old gritted his teeth once again this morning and he ended FP3 second fastest on board his Ducati Panigale V4R machine with a 1:38.101 only bettered by Nicolo Bulega.

His ability to deliver scintillating speed in short runs was proven again as Lowes produced an amazing Superpole display full of skill and bravery to qualify on the front row for the sixth time in 2025 with a lap of 1:37.601.

But considering the physical demands placed on Lowes by Jerez’s high-speed changes of direction and hard braking zones, the Elf Marc VDS Racing Team agreed the best course of action was to reluctantly withdraw from all race action in the season finale.

Lowes will now focus on his rehabilitation before picking up a rigorous winter training schedule in advance of his third season in WorldSBK in 2026.

“It’s horrible to end like that, but I had no rhythm. A massive thanks to the team”

“Obviously a disappointing way to end the last two rounds of the season, but I really tried this weekend and dug in and qualified. I did a good lap, but I had no rhythm. It’s difficult for me to put the laps together how I was feeling and we decided with the team not to participate in the races. Of course, it’s disappointing because we were fast all weekend whether on used or new tyres, we were quick and it’s horrible to end like that, but I don’t think I could have done the races well. That’s why we didn’t race. I couldn’t do the laps together. I tried to do just nine in FP2 and I only managed seven and it took a lot out of me. I think it’s the right call. It’s obviously frustrating and upsetting right now, but overall it’s like that. We’ve had a positive end to the season in terms of speed, so i’ll keep my head down, work hard and come back stronger. Massive thank you to the team for the job this year. It’s been a massive step and I know we’ll be looking to make another one next year.“