A day of improvements as Lowes makes WorldSBK return

A day of improvements as Lowes makes WorldSBK return

Elf Marc VDS Racing Team star Sam Lowes enjoyed a positive return from injury on the first day of WorldSBK action in France, with the British rider setting the 14th fastest time of the day.

  • Making his return from a left shoulder injury sustained in the Czech round of the series, Lowes spent the early stages of the day familiarising himself with the 4.411km Magny-Cours layout, which he last raced in 2013.
  • Sam started the day with a small crash at Turn 13, which he was able to recover from quickly. He ended the cool FP1 session, which was held in ambient temperatures of 17 degrees, in 19th with a best time of 1’38.527.
  • The afternoon brought about big improvements for the 33-year old. FP2 was red flagged after a big crash for Toprak Razgatlioglu. When it restarted Sam took nearly 1.5s off his personal best time from the morning. His 1’37.066 was enough to place 14th in the combined Free Practice standings.

 

/// SAM LOWES: 14th: 1’37.066

“The pace was consistent and I tried both of the rear tyre”

“Actually, it was a decent day. I struggled a bit this morning to get going after six weeks off the bike. Honestly, I felt like I was learning the track again for the first time. I’ve been here before, even if it was eleven years ago. But with my young age, I forgot a bit where to go! Every time it takes me a bit to get into it at these tracks which I’m returning to. But this afternoon was better. The pace was consistent and I tried both of the rear tyre options. I didn’t really like the new direction, and preferred the standard ones. Overall, it was pretty positive. If it’s dry tomorrow I feel I can make a good step forward, considering I haven’t been riding the past six weeks, and improve on the track. I’ll get a good sleep tonight, see what the weather’s like tomorrow and aim to make a step.”