Sam Lowes has admitted to feeling “better than I expected” after returning to WorldSBK action in Portimao testing.
Lowes finished third on the first day of testing, but elected to sit out on the second session due to the adverse weather conditions.
It had been uncertain if the British rider would even be able to feature in the test after fracturing his wrist in his crash during Race 2 at Phillip Island.
After taking confidence from being able to ride his MarcVDS machine, Lowes is now targeting a competitive return at the Portuguese round.
However, the British rider also admitted it will be difficult to replicate his third-place form from the test should he take part in the Portimao weekend.
“It felt OK, better than I expected in some ways but it’s still difficult to do a lot of laps in a row and I know I’ll be up against it for the race weekend,” Lowes told WorldSBK.com.
“But on the positive side I felt I was able to ride the bike well, which wasn’t a given just two weeks after the hand and wrist break.
“Hopefully in the next couple of weeks before the race weekend I can recoup some fitness and let’s see how it goes.”
‘I’m still trying to adjust to the bike’ – Sam Lowes on 2026 WorldSBK focus
Lowes also admitted he felt forced to “run the bike” after MarcVDS had to rebuild his machinery after his crash in Phillip Island.
Despite feeling more comfortable than expected, the 35-year-old conceded that he’s “still trying to adjust” after weather has affected every 2026 WorldSBK test so far.
“Because of the rain on Day 2 I did a total of 25 laps, all on the first day,” Lowes said.
“It sounds like a lot but in reality, it’s not, and I had to run the bike in after it was rebuilt from my Australia crash.
“It’s tricky because none of us have had much running this winter, all the tests have been weather affected, so I’m still trying to adjust to the bike.”
When asked which parts he has focused on the most, Lowes added: “The main area is the ergonomics, working on positioning to find the most comfortable way forward.
“I’m fairly satisfied with my pace but It’s disappointing for everyone, it was quite an inconclusive test due to losing the second day.
“I’m lucky to have a team who adapt to every situation and always try to get the best out of it.”
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