Bimota’s Alex Lowes described his experience during the Jerez World Superbike testing as feeling “like a big kid,” despite being held back by adverse weather conditions that restricted his time on the bike and limited opportunities to test new components.
With the 2026 World Superbike season just over a month away, the testing session at Jerez kicked off this week. However, the two-day trial on Wednesday and Thursday saw most riders, including Lowes, struggle to get substantial track time due to poor weather. By the end of Thursday, Lowes ranked second overall as he prepares for his second year racing with Bimota.
Although conditions improved enough on the final day to allow for slick tires, Lowes only managed 16 laps and briefly tested the new Showa front fork. He expressed frustration over the lack of time to properly evaluate the new parts but remained upbeat about being able to ride again.
“Oh, unfortunately we had some bad weather,” Lowes said on the official World Superbike website. “I was finally able to put on slick tires and get out this afternoon. I’d been waiting all week, and I felt like a big kid. It was a lot of fun, but 16 laps just isn’t enough to get down to business.”
He added, “I started to try out the new Showa front fork, but as I approached Turn 6, it began raining. I got an initial feel after a few laps, but couldn’t really judge it properly.” Lowes also mentioned improvements with the bike’s electronics, noting that the changes felt good and that he regained the positive balance he had found in November.
Testing will continue next week in Portimao, where Lowes is hopeful for better weather to maximize track time and confirm the components intended for the upcoming race at Phillip Island. “If the weather cooperates, I’ll get more laps and work on improving my feel for the bike,” he explained. “The bike has changed significantly since I last tested here, and while it feels very good, we need to adapt the setup for this new track. If it rains, I’ll focus on riding in the wet.”
Reflecting on the test, Lowes concluded, “I didn’t get many laps overall, but it’s great to be back with the team. Let’s see what next week brings.”
Fan Take: This update is important for racing fans because it highlights the challenges teams face with unpredictable weather right before the season starts, impacting crucial testing sessions. Alex Lowes’ perseverance and optimism signal potential strong performances ahead, which fans will be eager to follow as the new season unfolds.
