Alex Lowes revealed what made him “anxious” about Bimota’s proposed plans for its WorldSBK comeback.
Italian bike manufacturer Bimota returned to the series in 2025 after the factory Kawasaki outfit opted to reduce its involvement.
Kawasaki continues to supply the engine, which will be paired with a Bimota chassis, presenting the name Bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team.
Both the Lincolnshire-born rider and Alex Bassani were retained for the new season, with the duo helping the manufacturer secure fourth place in the Teams’ Championship after their first outing with the new bike at Phillip Island.
In an exclusive interview ahead of the second round in Portimao, the Brit discussed his apprehension when the team informed him of its new direction.
“I remember when the bosses and Guim [Roda] came to me to explain it,” Lowes explained. “I thought they were telling me they were going to fire me and kick me out!
“It was a strange feeling; I didn’t know what was going on. Everyone was really secretive; it was a secret inside the family of the team.
“They explained to me the project and the future, everybody was excited and when I tried the bike for the first time, I was anxious honestly, because 2024 was the best feeling I had for many years in WorldSBK.
“I was riding really well, fighting for some podiums every weekend. I was really confident. I was thinking, ‘How’s it going to feel?’ I feel really good with the bike I’ve got’. It was interesting.”
Alex Lowes wants ‘to keep improving’ his feeling on the bike
Lowes has set no tangible results for the season given that the brand-new project is in its early phases.
“I don’t really know in terms of position. Last year was a pretty solid year for me,” he reflected.
“I feel like I’m riding the Bimota at the same level I was last year, but my target is wherever we start the Championship, just to keep building and improving because this is one of the things with this project being so new.
“We have the chance to keep building. It’s something with the Kawasaki that was always on the limit.”
Lowes earned 12 podiums in 2024 and finished the season in fourth place and as the top non-Ducati rider.
The Brit stated that podium finishes would serve as a testament to the effort invested in the Bimota project.
“Now, we have the chance to build throughout the season. Obviously, we want to be fighting for podiums and the best positions possible.
“I want to enjoy the whole year with the team because they’ve put a lot into the project and I’m sure when we stand on the podium together, it’s going to mean that little bit more.”
READ MORE – Alex Lowes: Portimao test ‘best I’ve felt’ on Bimota WorldSBK
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