Lowes 'happy' with Portimao test, 'but we still need a couple of tenths'

KRT rider Alex Lowes leaves last week’s two day WorldSBK test 'happy', but confirms more pace is needed ahead of April’s season opener at MotorLand Aragon. 

Lowes finished the Portimao test fourth fastest which included being just one tenth away from the official Superbike lap record, the problem however, Toprak Razgatlioglu, team-mate Jonathan Rea and Ducati’s returning Alvaro Bautista were all considerably underneath the time of 1:40.219s which was set last last October by Razgatlioglu. 

During day two the Pata Yamaha rider set a new all-time best of 1:39:616s (unofficial), while Rea was second - +0.235s further back. It means Lowes was seven tenths down on the world champion and just under five behind Rea, which is why the former BSB champion believes the next few tests are key to reducing those margins.

But with that said, Lowes did manage to complete over 160 laps which is important for the British rider after having missed a considerable time with injuries last season. 

Speaking after a test in which he called 'really good', Lowes added: "We have had a really good test here and I think I did 162 laps over the two days. That is the best thing for me because I have not done a full day’s testing for over a year because of the all the injuries I have had. 

"So to do 160-odd laps at a good pace, no mistakes, and while working hard on the bike; I am really happy. That is one box ticked off. 

"In terms of settings on the bike we made some improvements but it looks like the other guys have also made some. I am really happy with the work we have done but we still need to find a couple of tenths or so before the start of the season. 

"This is the best I have felt on the bike in a long, long time. I am really happy and we are going to work hard with my crew chief Marcel during this little break before we have our Montmelo test at the end of March."