Lowes targets another podium at Assen BOGDANKA PTR HONDA’s Sam Lowes targets another podium result in round three of the World Supersport Championship at Assen in the Netherlands this weekend after moving to second overall following a close second place last time out at Imola. Having raced at Assen in the past, World Supersport rookie Mathew Scholtz on the other Bogdanka PTR Honda also aims for a point scoring result after showing speed and potential early in the season on two unfamiliar tracks at Phillip Island and Imola. Patrick “PJ” Jacobsen will stand in for the injured rider Pawel Szkopek from the Bogdanka Honda PTR team who’s recovering from a broken leg. The American is confident of a solid race when the lights will go off at 13:30 CET on Sunday. Sam Lowes: “The weekend at Imola was really good. We were first or second in every session and will try to carry that on to Assen, which is a circuit that I like and it suits me a lot. The aim is obviously to go out and get that first win but the main thing is to get as much points as we can. Assen is fast and flowing, which is what I love about circuits. I’m looking forward to going there and I’m sure we can have a good weekend. I prefer it to be dry but coming from the UK, I’ve got no problems with riding in the wet too. I’ve been training hard and feel I’m in good shape. The team and bike are ready too so I hope to be up there on the front row and fighting for a good result.” Mathew Scholtz: “I’ve raced at Assen before so knowing the circuit will definitely help me and it makes me more confident about having a good weekend. The track is flat but also fast and flowing, which is something that I like. After the first two races we just need to keep learning, carry on improving and finish in a point scoring position on Sunday. If it will be wet at Assen, it will be my first time on the Bogdanka PTR Honda in such conditions; but I’ve never had a problem with riding in the rain in the past so I’m looking forward to the weekend come rain or shine.” PJ Jacobsen: “The PTR-prepared Honda is great and I like the Bogdanka Honda PTR team so I am confident and excited for the weekend. On paper Assen looks awesome. It will probably take me a bit of time to learn it in practice but it looks really cool and I’m sure it will be a great weekend. I just want to put my head down, ride my race and get as far as I can. I’m feeling pretty good, training hard every day and watching Assen race videos every night. Now I’m just looking forward to picking up my new REV’IT leathers tomorrow and heading to the track.” Simon Buckmaster, Bogdanka PTR Honda Team Manager: “Sam rode a great race in Imola and has moved to second in the title race. He has matured this year; he is riding at his highest level ever and gelling with his new crew chief Paul Williamson. We are all really looking forward to Assen and I am sure Sam will be right there in the challenge for the top step on the podium. Mathew missed a chicane and then his board from the organisers and us to come in for his ride through which resulted in a black flag. At least he was in good company with Sofuoglu. He had the pace for a top six finish and since he knows Assen will be looking to finish well inside the top 10.”