While his twin brother Alex magnificently took the lead in the World Superbike Championship at Phillip Island, ahead of Scott Redding, Toprak Razgatlioglu and Johnny Rea, Sam Lowes experienced difficult testing during the first Grand Prix in Qatar.
Disabled by his injured right shoulder during pre-season tests in Jerez, the English driver new to Team Estrella Galicia 0,0 Marc VDS was only able to lift his Kalex to eighteenth place in the first free session ( having completed 12 laps), then at the twentieth at the end of the second (with again 12 laps completed). His Grand Prix unfortunately ended there, on the advice of the doctors of the medical commission. Although twins, the two Lowes brothers each found themselves at opposite ends of the results sheets.
Then the health situation unfortunately evolved, and this is what Sam Lowes' confinement currently looks like.
How are you coping with this strange situation?
“The situation globally is very complicated. We must be well aware of this, listen to those who know and come together to overcome the difficult times we are going through. I am spending these weeks at home in England with my partner and my daughter. Luckily, all three of us are doing well and trying to make the most of our time together. »
How is your daily life going?
“I get up early because my shoulder doesn't really let me sleep. My daughter wakes up early too, so we play together and have breakfast. Then I usually do some stretching and recovery exercises for my shoulder. In England we are allowed to run once a day, so I don't miss the opportunity to do it. In the middle of the day we eat and relax a little while watching TV. In the afternoon, I play with Kathryn in the garden where I also try to practice golf! To finish the day, I do a few more exercises to help my shoulder recover. Then it’s time for dinner, and then bedtime. »
What are you getting out of this situation and what is costing you the most?
“The best thing is that I am with my wife and daughter and we can share quality time with some peace of mind. Plus, it gives me a little more time to heal. Besides that, I obviously miss driving and racing, but ultimately that's not the most serious thing. The worst thing is that this crisis concerns the health of millions of people and we do not know how or when it will be resolved. It is very difficult to see all these people suffering and worrying about their health and that of their loved ones. »
Have you discovered new aspects of your home these days?
“Honestly, I do a lot of housework. And I think I'm the best at making my wife's coffee in the morning. I haven't dared to go into the kitchen much yet, that's the next territory to conquer. Let the kitchens tremble! »
How is your shoulder?
“It’s not perfect, but it’s getting better. Every day I feel stronger and I am more and more mobile. At night, it still bothers me and I have difficulty sleeping well, but the improvement is significant. I needed extra time to heal, and although I can't be happy that this situation is giving me that, I'm taking advantage of it and optimizing it as much as possible to recover 100%. »
Are you training? How to keep fit in quarantine?
“I train daily, yes. For now, I'm mainly focusing on running for cardio and also doing general toning and shoulder rehab exercises at home. »
Does it cost you to stay confined and train without knowing the resumption date? How do you deal with this?
“Honestly, it is not easy to plan optimal physical preparation without knowing the date by which you will need to be 100%. I'm trying to stay positive and stay in shape, and when we know more we'll take a closer look. I am motivated, positive and focused on the things I can control. The most important thing is that we collectively beat the virus and overcome the pandemic to return to normal. Once we do that, we can focus again on our passion and on racing.”
For you, the start of the year was special in many ways, because you weren't able to ride at all due to your injury...
“The truth is it’s all been very strange. Both the preparation and the opening of the championship. This injury forced me to change my plans. I worked very hard to be able to get back on the bike in Qatar and I'm partly happy because I did it. On Friday, I was able to ride and do more than 20 laps with constant progress. Seeing the progress, I was excited, but the shoulder pain and the team's common sense made me realize it wasn't worth risking aggravating the injury in the event of a fall. I won't deny that I was angry and didn't like having to watch the first race from the garage. But looking back, I know we made the best decision. »
And after the first Grand Prix, how do you see the season in Moto2?
“I think this year the category will be tighter than ever. Many drivers showed that they could go very fast during testing and this first Grand Prix. It's almost impossible to make a list of favorites at the moment. I am convinced that it will be an exciting season, with many surprises and quite a few names who will fight for the top places. I can't wait for this to restart so I can create my own dynamic."
Source and photos: Copyright © 2020 – MARC VDS SWISS RACING SA – All rights reserved.
