Sam Lowes: Sofuoglu did it on purpose...

Sam Lowes: I didn't expect Kenan to make such a manoeuvre! He did it purposely. It's wrong and shouldn't happen again.
Lowes, Sofuoglu, WSS600 race, British WSBK 2013
Lowes, Sofuoglu, WSS600 race, British WSBK 2013
© Gold and Goose

Sam Lowes has launched a scathing attack on title rival Kenan Sofuoglu following their collision on the final lap of the World Supersport race at Silverstone, the Briton suggesting his rival made his move with the intention of making contact.

Lowes and Sofuoglu were engaged in a lengthy tussle for victory at Silverstone, the race building up to a last lap confrontation between the title rivals, similar to rounds at Assen and Portimao earlier in the year.

However, after Lowes made his first move at the start of the Arena complex, Sofuoglu would respond with a attempt for the lead into the tight left hander leading onto the Wellington Straight.

Slipping beneath Lowes as he closed the door, the pair made low-speed contact that would cause Lowes to drop the Yamaha. Sofuoglu would go on to win the race, with Lowes picking his bike up in time to secure a potentially crucial second place.

While both Lowes and Sofuoglu adopted a 'friendly' approach during the post-race press conference, the Briton was rather more candid about his opinion in Yakhnich's official press release, claiming Sofuoglu's pass was a deliberate attempt to get through by any means.

"The race was almost won and I prepared the attack to complete the combination," he said. "But I didn't expect Kenan to make such a manoeuvre! He did it purposely. It's wrong and shouldn't happen again."

An aggrieved Yakhnich Motorsport duly took their complaints to race stewards, though the protest against Sofuoglu was later dismissed. Indeed, manager Claudio Corsetti was unhappy with the outcome.

"Of course, Sam is happy that he could finish this race with such good result but Kenan's behaviour discouraged. Sam is sure that it was planned as he attacked when Sam couldn't see him. To ride aggressively and what we saw there - two different things."

Lowes remains 29 points clear of Sofuoglu in the standings with five races remaining.

Fan footage of the incident can be seen below...

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