Lowes keen to gauge shoulder injury in WSBK test

Alex Lowes says he’s keen to return to the track for the first time since badly damaging his shoulder in a testing crash last November, as he sets out to gauge the level of recovery he’s achieved ahead of next month’s opening round of the World Superbike championship.

“I’m intrigued to see how I can ride with my shoulder. If I can ride to a good level there are plenty of things we have to work through, if not, then I will get my head down with some more physio and concentrate on the start of the season in Australia. I can’t wait to get back on the R1 after such a great launch this week and if my shoulder feels ok then it’s going to be lots of fun!

“I still can’t lift my arm above my shoulder yet – but I’m going testing this weekend anyway to see how I get on. I expect to be fully fit for the first race though – and actually it’s been a blessing in disguise. I’ve had a chilled winter, and time to realise I need to take it steady as the team develops the bike into a race winner.”

Lowes will take to track today alongside Pata Crescent Yamaha teammate Sylvain Guintoli at Portimao, before the team move on to Jerez for a further final two days testing before packing for the opening round of the series in Phillip Island.