Sam Lowes admits he needs “time to explore” his MarcVDS Ducati ahead of the 2026 WorldSBK season following the rain-affected Portimao test.
Lowes will continue to ride a satellite Ducati in the upcoming WorldSBK campaign, and revealed he was “positive” about his new machinery in the Jerez test in November.
However, both WorldSBK tests in January were affected by heavy rain, limiting the track time for all riders.
The 35-year-old admitted he still needs further testing to improve his position on the bike, but emphasised his “full confidence” in both MarcVDS and Ducati.
“We still have some ergonomic things with the position of the bike to get it a little more comfortable, considering it’s a little bit of a different position to last year,” Lowes told WorldSBK.
“I have full confidence in my team, full confidence in Ducati. The new bike is obviously very strong, so from that side it’s frustrating but I’m not too worried.
“Just on the riding side, it would be nice to get some laps in before going to Australia.”
Lowes also revealed he believes Ducati has improved its stability under braking, which will give its riders a greater feeling on the bike.
However, he stressed the need to explore other areas over time.
“A bit more stability on the braking phase, which I think was the biggest area where I felt a difference,” Lowes said.
“The rest I need time to explore. I did the same in Jerez, but Jerez is a very different track.
“Some days it’s so fast and the grip is sometimes so high, which I think it was that day, so we have to figure it out a little more, but the first signs are positive.
“The biggest thing I think is a bit of stability and that rider feeling.”
Sam Lowes expecting ‘a few different results’ at WorldSBK season opener
The final chance for teams and riders to test their new machinery will be a two-day test in Phillip Island on February 15-17 ahead of the first round of the season.
With the adverse weather affecting all teams’ plans in Portimao, Lowes suggested it would likely be a frenetic two days up-and-down the grid in preparation for the new season.
Many teams changed their lineups for 2026, while there are plenty of new riders to the championship, including five-time MotoGP race winner Miguel Oliveira.
Lowes hinted that he expects a mixed order in the opening race weekend of the 2026 season due to the changes and the lack of test time.
“I think it will be a busy test,” Lowes admitted to WorldSBK.
“It’s a very important test for a lot of riders, but also Australia’s quite different.
“It’s a different track, different settings, it’s quite unique, so I think everyone’s looking forward to getting there and riding there.
“Maybe in the first round there could be a few different results, so let’s wait and see.”
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