Lowes finishes Jerez test fastest

Sam Lowes topped the final test of the pre-season after rain interrupted running at Jerez throughout the week. Lowes finished the week one second faster than Jonas Folger but with so little dry running it’s clear that things will be far more competitive when the season starts.

Speaking to MCN Lowes was clearly pleased with his winter’s work and having shown strong pace in the wet he decided to stay in the garage today because when running in the wet earlier in the week he felt that he already had a good feeling and “didn’t want to risk anything in the conditions.”

That approach paid off for Lowes and with numerous crashes today with likely title rivals Tito Rabat and Johann Zarco crashing. Rabat had a big high side on the final day with the reigning world champion needing to be checked over in the medical centre before being given the all clear.

With all three pre-season tests having been struck by bad weather the opening round of the season in Qatar next weekend will see riders venturing into the unknown to an extent with no-one certain as to what to expect in the desert.