A Kid at Heart: Alex Lowes' Jerez Test Experience
In the lead-up to the highly anticipated 2026 World Superbike season, Alex Lowes, riding for Bimota, found himself in a unique situation during the Jerez test. Despite being limited to just 16 laps due to adverse weather conditions, Lowes' enthusiasm remained unwavering.
The two-day test, held in January, was plagued by poor weather, leaving most riders with minimal track time. However, Lowes, gearing up for his second season with Bimota, managed to squeeze in some valuable laps on the final day, albeit with a restricted agenda.
"It's been a real challenge with the weather," Lowes shared on the official World Superbike website. "When we finally got the chance to hit the track with slick tires, it was like a dream come true. I felt like a kid again, just thrilled to be out there."
But here's where it gets controversial: with such limited laps, Lowes couldn't fully explore the new parts he had hoped to test. He explained, "I managed just 16 laps, which wasn't enough to really focus on the new components. It's a bit frustrating, but we made the most of what we had."
And this is the part most people miss: the electronics in World Superbikes are constantly evolving. Lowes revealed, "We tried some new electronics settings, and I instantly felt comfortable. It's a constant learning process."
As testing moves to Portimao next week, Lowes is keeping his fingers crossed for better weather. "We're hoping for clear skies in Portimao so we can confirm the components for Philip Island. If the weather holds, we'll aim for more laps and continue refining my bike's setup."
Lowes concluded, "I'm thrilled to be back with the team, but we need more track time to truly prepare. Let's see what Portimao brings!"
What do you think? Will better weather in Portimao make a significant difference? Share your thoughts in the comments!
