Alex Lowes made a fantastic start to the season with the Greens by taking the lead in the World Superbike Championship at Phillip Island three months ago in Australia, notably ahead of his new teammate, the five-time Champion Johnny Rea. Kawasaki managers understood that there was an opportunity not to be missed and signed the man who won the British Superbike Championship in 2013 for next year.
Sam Lowes' twin brother has won two WSBK races in his career, in Brno in 2018 on Yamaha, and therefore in Australia this year. He was on the podium 22 times and achieved one pole position. He also competed in two MotoGP races with Tech 3 on Yamaha in 2016, having previously raced once in 125cc GP on a Double Vision Racing team Honda in 3.
With teammates Pol Espargaro, Katsuyuki Nakasuga and Michael van der Mark, he won three times at the Suzuka 8H with the Yamaha Factory Racing Team in 2016, 2017 and 2018. He should participate this year with the KRT team, victorious in 2019 with Jonathan Rea, Leon Haslam et Toprak Razgatlioglu.
Born on September 14, 1990 in Lincoln, Lincolnshire, Alex said: “It will be great to be with Kawasaki in 2021. I will be able to continue to adapt to the team as well as the ZX-10RR. As soon as I joined the team, I really felt that it was an opportunity for me to take a step forward in terms of driving. »
“As Johnny's teammate, I feel like I can learn a lot from him and the atmosphere in the team is great. The current situation in the world is not ideal for anyone, but Kawasaki keeps me positive and focused on the future. It's fantastic to have been able to put something together for 2021 before competing in the other races this year. »
“My personal goal is to continue to work hard every day, to progress and also to enjoy as a team. This is why we run; this short interruption made us all realize how incredible our work is. »
“The flame was already there, but this recent period has undoubtedly allowed us to better appreciate what we do. I look forward to getting back with Team KRT this season, working with Marcel and the others, and hoping for even better results next year. »
To Steve Guttridge, KME Racing Manager, “The Kawasaki Racing Team and our riders have been the dominant force within the WorldSBK series for several seasons now, but we cannot rest on our laurels in this situation; we must continue the momentum. »
“Our KRT Superbike project is part of an overall effort by Kawasaki, associated with many important sponsors and suppliers to our racing programs. It is our duty to retain the services of the best drivers in the world and Alex demonstrated that he is one of them by leading the championship from the first round. »
“With the re-signing of Alex for the 2021 season, we believe that not only will he and his team continue to build a strong relationship together, but also that our major sponsors will be able to provide continuity from this (interrupted) season . »
“We are very pleased to confirm that Alex will remain with KRT and we now look forward to restarting this season and achieving further podiums together through 2021.”
According to KRT team manager Guim Roda, “The work that Alex has done so far, his motivation for the KRT project and the seriousness with which he trains to be the fittest driver possible were strong arguments to renew with him. It also gives him the time and confidence to show his full potential on the ZX-10RR.
“He has the speed to drive at the limit and achieve the level of performance we expect. We found in him a good combination with Johnny in terms of mutual respect, and the competition between the drivers will help raise the team to the highest level. We have evaluated his riding style since he joined us in 2020 and believe he can ride fast with consistency.
“We are waiting for the season to resume, so that the show is there for everyone. Reaching a deal with Alex for 2021 so early will give him the peace of mind that will allow him to fully concentrate on his racing and achieve the best possible results this year. »
Photos © Kawasaki
