Voltcom Crescent Suzuki’s Alex Lowes reflects on his first Rookie season in World Superbikes and looks forward to testing later this month before a winter of training in preparation for next season’s WSBK.
Hey guys, this is my first heads-up after my rookie season in the World Superbike Championship. It’s been a tough one and I had a lot to learn coming from the BSB series in England.
After a really strong pre-season testing programme I was full of confidence heading out to Australia for Round 1. However, I crashed in the final free practice session at Phillip Island and fractured my tibia and ankle, which set me back quite a bit early in the season. I came back with two podium finishes – a 2nd place at Assen and a 3rd in my home race at Donington Park – both tracks I knew previously. Since then it’s been a pretty difficult run with a far too many mistakes on my part and a lot to learn, with the combination of circuits and the electronics, which have both been new to me this year.
Overall I have enjoyed it a lot and, after agreeing to stay with Suzuki for WSBK 2015, I am very excited knowing I am a lot better-prepared going into year two! The final round of the year under the floodlights in Doha was a mega experience; the circuit was great and riding at night was lots of fun; I felt like an AMA Supercross racer!
Now the season is over I am eagerly awaiting the tests we have on next year’s bike, which are scheduled to start at the end of November in Jerez. We have quite a lot to try with the bike as well as some things I am keen to work on with my riding style! After this I am heading over to Australia to stay with my friend Freddie Sheene for some training, riding Flat Track and generally chilling out, so I can come back ready for hard work and a big year in 2015.
A great thing about the World Championship is that we start the season in February so I don’t have too long to wait before racing again! Before then, however, I will be working hard to ensure I improve a lot in 2015. I hope you all have a great winter and I will check-in again when I am back from the winter break to keep you updated with all my antics and preparations for the new season!