Lowes confident after completing initial Suzuka 8Hour test with Yoshimura

2015-07-09 12:38
Voltcom Crescent Suzuki’s Alex Lowes is pleased with his first trip to the iconic Suzuka circuit in Japan despite rain hampering the majority of his testing with the Yoshimura Suzuki Racing Team ahead of the Suzuka 8Hour endurance race later this month.

Alex Lowes Suzuka

With just one dry 45 minute session across the two day test, Lowes had a lot to learn, and quickly! Having never visited Suzuka, or raced on Bridgestone tyres, it wasn’t just the Yoshimura GSX-R1000 he had to get acquainted with.

The British racer’s first ever endurance event will require consistent long-stints, clean pit-stops and confident racing in all conditions, all of which his initial test has thrown at him. Running in both wet and dry conditions to learn the track layout, Lowes concluded the test confidently, having repeatedly set laps equalling last year’s race-pace and immediately feeling at home with the Yoshimura team.

Lowes will now travel to the United States to join Voltcom Crescent Suzuki at round nine of the eni FIM Superbike World Championship at Laguna Seca on Sunday 19th July before returning to Japan for the Suzuka 8Hour the following week.

Alex Lowes:

“The weather hampered most of the test so it was a shame that I didn't get more dry laps – we literally had just one 45 minute session that was in the dry! The majority of my riding over the two days was on wets so I had a lot to learn with the tyres, track and bike, which were all new to me. The team was great and I enjoyed riding the bike, even thought I feel I didn't get too much done, and I felt confident and comfortable with the laps I did complete. I’m really looking forward to going over to Japan for my first 8Hour and learning as much as possible but now I have to concentrate on my day job in WSBK and the Laguna Seca race next week.”

Source: Crescent Motorcycles

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