After a decade of MotoGP and Moto2 Grand Prix racing, Sam Lowes has been competing in WSBK since last year. At almost 35 years old, the ELF Marc VDS team rider still believes he can improve.
Are you satisfied with your performance in the first half of the championship?
I think they've been consistent. It's a big improvement on last season. Obviously, I'm in great shape now, which wasn't the case last year. I feel pretty good. I need to take another step forward to fight harder with Bulega and Toprak (Razgatlioglu) and take a step forward. But I'm there now, I'm consistent every week, things are moving in the right direction. I feel like I'm starting to understand Superbike, to understand the category better, how to ride the bike. After spending so much time in Moto2, and also a year in MotoGP, it's a very different way of riding. So I'm starting to understand and that's positive.
How did it feel to be on the podium in the Netherlands?
It felt good! When you've won races and titles, it's hard to find yourself behind. I missed it and I have to say it was really enjoyable. I also got pole position and set some very good lap times in the race... At Most, I finished fourth twice and just missed out on victory. It was really close.
In what areas have you made the most progress since last year?
I just understand the bike and the tyres a little better, I've learned to brake better and not rush into corners. In Superbike, the bikes are heavier and less rigid. In Moto2, you obviously have to brake well, but then you have to maintain a lot of speed in the corners. It's completely different from Superbike, where you have to take advantage of the power and exploit the performance of the engine while looking for grip coming out of the corner.
What do you still need to improve to go for the win?
It's precisely those corner exits. I think that's where I need to take another step forward to find better grip, reduce the lean angle, straighten the bike and manage that area better. I'm still struggling a bit with my feel to fine-tune that area, because the electronics are obviously very good and can help a lot, but you have to understand them to know what to ask of them.
Isn't it a disadvantage to be the only rider on the team, not being able to share information with a teammate?
No, because Ducati shares all the information from all the riders on the brand. So we have access to the settings of everyone who, like me, has this bike. It's a huge help. I think that's one of the reasons why Ducati is doing so well. Of course, having a teammate could also be valuable. But for now, that's not our priority.
How is your bike different from those of Bulega and Baustista, the two official Ducati riders?
All Ducatis have very similar specifications. You never know exactly, but I think they're close. One thing is certain, I have a competitive machine that is capable of winning.
What do you like most about Superbike?
Having three races per weekend! If you mess up on Saturday, you can make up for it on Sunday. Everyone knows my career. In Moto2, I made quite a few mistakes in races. I did well on Fridays and Saturdays, in practice and qualifying, and then on Sundays... I often had frustrating weekends. In Superbike, you can always make up for a bad race.
This year, the ELF Marc VDS team is also competing in Endurance. Is that a racing class that might interest you one day?
I don't know much about the EWC championship, but I am interested in Endurance, yes. Florian Marino, who works with my brother, races for that team. I've had the opportunity to talk to him about the team and the races he's involved in. I don't know what the future holds, but I'd love to race the Suzuka 8 Hours with my brother at least once.