Just over two weeks since suffering left hand and wrist fractures in the opening WorldSBK round in Australia, Elf Marc VDS Racing Team rider Sam Lowes got a fitness boost when back on board his Ducati Panigale V4R in Portugal this week.

After working round-the-clock to be fit for the scheduled two-day test at the Algarve International Circuit, Lowes impressed on the opening day of action when he set the third fastest time.

Keen to benefit from more important track time in his quest to extract maximum potential out of the new Ducati in the early part of 2026, rain unfortunately prevented any running on the second day.

/// SAM LOWES: 3rd, 1:41.155, 25 laps

An intense recovery programme since his Phillip Island Race 2 crash on February 22 paid off as Lowes made an eye-catching return to action on day one of the Portimão test.

Lowes completed 25 laps and was instantly able to set a competitive pace of 1:41.155 that was only bettered by brother Alex and WorldSBK Championship leader Nicolo Bulega.

Satisfied with the improving strength and mobility in his recovering left hand, the 35-year-old was looking forward to a busy day two to work on settings ahead of the Portuguese WorldSBK round at Portimão later this month.

But heavy overnight rain and cool conditions on day two meant the 4.59km Algarve International Circuit never fully dried out for slick tyre running.

Round two of 12 in this year’s WorldSBK Championship takes place in Portimão on the weekend of March 27-29.

“It’s not the year of testing for WorldSBK!”

“We didn’t get any running on Day 2 which was a shame because we’ve struggled for test time this winter with the disappointing weather everywhere – but it’s the same for everyone, it’s not the year of testing for WorldSBK!
It was good to get some bike time yesterday, but I’m not reading too much into it. 25 laps sounds like a lot but you’re in and out and trying things so it’s not a huge amount. The lap times were quite competitive and it gave me the chance to see how my hand and wrist felt, and I was quite happy considering it’s so soon after the break. I know it’s going to be tough for the race weekend though as I still need more recovery time.”