Lowes ‘quite surprised’ at Jerez lap times, expects ‘good step’ in January

Alex Lowes finished the final WorldSBK test of the year just over a second behind team-mate Jonathan Rea, despite not being fully fit. 

Both KRT riders were taking part in their final on-track action of 2021, which for Lowes was the first time riding since FP3 at Mandalika. 

The British rider, who was already nursing a shoulder injury heading into the season finale, decided to end his weekend early after suffering two heavy falls at the brand new Indonesian circuit.

In fact, crashes and the subsequent injuries he suffered were a considerable issue not only in the final round of the year for Lowes, but the majority of the second half to this year. 

Lowes missed seven out of the final nine races, albeit the two he did take part in which were at San Juan, he impressively finished fourth and ninth despite shoulder and wrist issues.

However, with it being over a month since the season-ending round, Lowes was able to complete a full testing schedule for the KRT team, one which was very ‘positive’ for the 31 year-old who finished a second off team-mate Jonathan Rea. 

While lap times were unofficial, Rea set a 1:38.831s which was quickest of anyone, while Lowes’ best effort was a 1:39.865s.

Speaking after the test, Lowes added: "It was a positive test for me. Friday, we had a great day and ticked off all the boxes on the list of our test items. 

"Obviously, I am still not 100% fit in my physical condition, so I am quite surprised with the lap times we managed. Now I can enjoy Christmas. 

"I have given the engineers a lot of feedback on some of the new parts so we can expect to make another good step when we ride the bike again in January. 

"It was really nice for me to check the condition of my shoulder, which was positive, but there is still a long way to go. It was also really nice to see some improvements coming from the Kawasaki guys and all of the KRT team. 

"A good test after a long season, and a difficult one for me, with some injuries and without the results we wanted. But I can go home now, reset over Christmas and the New Year period and I am looking forward to 2022. Personally, I want to say a massive thank you to all of the team. 

"It has been a long season for everybody - from the hospitality guys, the truck drivers, mechanics, everybody."