Elf Marc VDS Racing Team star Sam Lowes made a stunning return to WorldSBK action today, with the Briton setting the second fastest time on the opening day of the French round at the Magny-Cours track

Lowes wasted little time blowing off the summer break cobwebs to finish second quickest and lead Ducati in FP1 this morning and he matched that performance this afternoon to end day one as the fastest Independent Team rider

Today’s outstanding display has set up Lowes up perfectly for a strong Saturday, which includes Superpole at 11am and Race 1 at 2pm local time

/// SAM LOWES: 2nd, 1:35.828, 29 LAPS

After his sensational double podium to complete the Balaton Park round in Hungary in late July, Lowes showed his momentum has not been halted by the summer break with a fantastic Friday display at Magny-Cours.

Lowes laid down an early marker on board his Ducati Panigale V4R machine when a lap of 1:37.656 moved him to the top of the standings in an FP1 session run on a dry track with ambient temperature hitting a cool 17 degrees.

Progress was constant throughout the first session and at its conclusion Lowes had improved his pace to a 1:37.152, which was only bettered by reigning World Champion Toprak Razgatlioglu.

With grip levels vastly improved and hotter temperatures for FP2, Lowes needed only three laps to better his time from the opening session and once again he was the standout Independent Team rider.

Reeling off a series of impressively consistent laps in the 1:36 bracket, Lowes fired in a superb late lap of 1:35.828 to star in a Ducati 1-2 behind Nicolo Bulega.

“Today has been a lot better than I expected”

“Today has been a really good day because I came to Magny-Cours a little nervous after such a difficult weekend here last year. I felt comfortable straightaway in FP1 and felt better with the track than at any stage last year and I was very happy to finish second fastest. This afternoon I feel like my pace was OK and not amazing and I definitely need to do some work in the fourth sector. I made a clear step in the final run with the new tyre and I’m pleased with the lap time. The bike is physical to ride here, and I could probably be a bit more relaxed to help the lap time come, but today has been a lot better than I expected. It’s been a positive start and if we can iron out some of our weak points, I’m sure we can have a strong Saturday and Sunday.”