Do you remember that in 2016 Alex Lowes competed in the only two MotoGP Grands Prix of his life at Tech 3? He finished thirteenth on his Monster Yamaha Tech 3 at home in the British GP, but was then unable to reach the finish in Misano in the Sans Marino GP.
Alex had competed in just one other Grand Prix, ten years earlier at Donington, on a 125 Honda, failing to finish his British Grand Prix.
On the other hand, he made an excellent reputation in endurance by winning the Suzuka 8 Hours three times, from 2016 to 2018 inclusive, with teammates Pol Espargaro, Katsuyuki Nakasuga and Michael van der Mark on a Yamaha YZF-R1 entered by the Yamaha Factory Racing Team.
His first big victory was the British Superbike crown in 2013 on a Honda, which earned him a move to the Superbike World Championship in 2014 and 2015 on Suzuki, then from 2016 to 2019 with Yamaha, with the best result being third place in the final. last year.
Born on November 14, 1990, Alex participated in 166 world SBK races, won one (Brno, 2018) and reached the podium on 19 occasions. Big moment for 2020: he becomes the teammate of Johnny Rea at Kawasaki, replacing Leon Haslam.
His team leader is now the Dutchman Marcel Duinker, who brought Tom Sykes to the title in 2013 with Kawasaki. “ Tom Sykes is one of the few drivers who honestly says he doesn't know or feel something. It's the same with Alex, he leaves no room for doubt and goes straight to the point. This is the only way to improve your performance. He was immediately able to explain the differences between his bike from last year and the ZX-10RR. What he says underlines the impressions we have gained over the past few years.”
“Most of the time, you just need to look into a person's eyes to know their character. Alex is exactly the person I expected: Very pleasant, very open, very honest, easy to talk to. These are the necessary ingredients for racing success. »
“The relationship between the team leader and the driver is based on trust and communication, so far it has worked very well. My first impression, and that of the rest of the team, is very positive. It is important that a driver gives the right feedback. If he doesn't know something, he should be able to admit it. This is the case with Alex. I'm impressed by how he can express his feelings. »
“We know our strengths and the areas where we are not the best. In theory, we are aware of this. Alex confirms these hypotheses. Thanks to our experience in this paddock, we are well informed. Over the last two years, Alex has become a consistent driver, always fighting in the top 5. He brings a lot of experience with him. Every time you change drivers or team members, you learn something. Alex finished third in the World Championship last year. Our goal is to improve his performance, now that he has the best package available. »
“Alex Lowes is one of the fastest drivers. We also know that the Kawasaki has been the most consistent bike over a race distance for several years. In addition, our motorcycle gives the best feeling for the front wheel. The Kawasaki offers the most traction to its rider and gives him the best feedback possible. Combining all of this, I am convinced that Alex will do things very well. The more confidence you have in your bike, the more feedback you have, the better you can be. He will improve his performance at Kawasaki, technically and mentally. We have enough experience to guide and improve it. We will fight for the podium places from the first race. »
Photos © Kawasaki
Source: Speedweek. com
