WSBK: the Marc VDS team presents its Ducati and Sam Lowes for a new adventure

Long-standing Grand Prix team Elf Marc VDS has announced its participation in the 2024 Superbike World Championship with Sam Lowes. The presentation took place at the magnificent Modave Castle, Belgium. The team has chosen Sam Lowes, former Supersport world champion and Moto2 rider, as rider for this new adventure.

The team's workshop is located in the premises of the Moto2 team in Belgium, and John Crupi, an experienced technician of the testing team Ducati Superbike, will be the team leader. The presentation also revealed that Moto2 riders Tony Arbolino et Filip Salac are also part of the Belgian structure. The bikes in both categories have identical paintwork and the main sponsor is oil giant Elf.

Sam Lowes said he was very happy and proud to continue working with this great team and to lead a Ducati. He sees this category change as a new challenge and is motivated to face it. His goal is to fight for podium places and victories. “ It's a big challenge for me to change categories after a long time and I am very happy and motivated to start » declared the Englishman.

Sam Lowes: “ the bike is beautiful and it's an incredible feeling to ride a Ducati »

« I would like to thank Marc Van der Straten for asking me to be his team's first WorldSBK rider. The bike is beautiful and it's an incredible feeling to ride a Ducati. The livery is fantastic and it's really special to represent Marc VDS and this team in WorldSBK » specifies the one who will find his twin brother Alex in the paddock of the category reserved for motorcycles from the series.

The Briton added: “ I'm really excited to continue working with my new team leader Crupi to improve my knowledge of the Panigale. I just need to learn more about the bike, the tires and the format in one weekend with three races. The first objective of the tests will be to get to grips with the bike and feel comfortable. I need to ride and cover miles to understand a lot of things. I think we could do a good job ».

Sam Lowes joined the Moto2 World Championship in 2014 after winning the Supersport title. During his career in Moto2, he won ten races, stood on the podium 26 times and achieved 20 pole positions and twelve fastest laps in races. In 2020 he finished third overall with the Marc VDS team.

In total, six pilots on one Ducati V4R will represent five teams in the 2024 Superbike World Championship. The next test for the category will take place at Jerez on January 24 and 25.