Alex Lowes is optimistic about his chances to reach the podium at the UK WorldSBK round after practice sessions at Donington, despite the challenging hot conditions that have made the Bimota bike less competitive. He topped the timing sheets in the first practice on Friday morning but dropped to sixth in the second session as the team focused on data collection and preparing for the afternoon race.
“In cooler weather, we have a strong chance,” Lowes said following the practice sessions. He noted that Kawasaki performed well at this track last year. He highlighted Bimota’s advantage in terms of how the bike spins and its ease of handling, but admitted the hot temperatures reduce grip and they’ve been working on improving this aspect.
Lowes said the bike wasn’t very competitive in the heat, but performing decently. His strategy was to gather as much long-run data as possible rather than pushing for faster laps, especially with the race approaching quickly. “I sacrificed a faster lap to prioritize track time; now, with one race done, we can review the data tonight to identify areas for improvement,” he explained. He sees this as a valuable chance to enhance the bike’s package.
He also mentioned that Ducati bikes seem to handle hot conditions better, as their engines and electronics don’t struggle as much at high temperatures, making it easier for them to perform. Despite the challenges, Lowes remains confident about his podium chances on Saturday. “Honestly, there’s a real opportunity,” he said. Although riders like Toprak Razgatlioglu and Bulega have been fastest, Lowes believes that if he secures a good qualifying position and performs well, he has just as much chance as anyone else to make it to the podium.
Fan Take: This news is exciting for racing enthusiasts because it highlights the competitive spirit and resilience of riders facing tough conditions. Lowes’ determination to adapt and push through challenges signals thrilling battles ahead, promising gripping races that could shake up the WorldSBK standings.
