WorldSBK Jerez Test, Lowes: “Rain? Better during a race than a test”

It was not the two-day test that most people were expecting, with very few riders on track and inclement weather that kept most of the WorldSBK teams inside their garages, engines off. Not even the factory Kawasaki Provec team headed out, and they will make up for this wasted day on Thursday 28 January with riders Jonathan Rea and Alex Lowes.

The Englishman doesn’t appear to be overly concerned about the two lost days: “Not going out isn't a big problem as, although the bike is new, we still have a lot of time before the start of the season. I’m sorry for the team, as they made a big effort to bring various new elements here".

Rea: “A waste of money not to ride, but the regulation limits us”

"The new engine is key"

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As the English rider confirms, one of the most important new features regards the engine: "We would have focused largely on the new engine, which differs from the last one. During the previous tests, Jonathan and I had the same impressions, which is a good thing in terms of our teamwork in preparation for the start of the season. There’ll be more new elements that we’ll test next time out”.

As for eventual wet rounds, season-opener Assen being one possible example, Alex already feels prepared: “If there are wet races, I can be competitive. At the end of the day, I’m an English rider, I like to race in the wet. I’d prefer rain during a race than during a test".

Translated by Heather Watson

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