It has been in the air since Imola with Ducati and it is now official: the Marc VDS Racing team, which has mainly made a name for itself in Grand Prix via Moto2, will diversify its activities by integrating WSBK from 2024 . And not just anyhow, because it will be with what is to be the hands of Alvaro Bautista the best machine on the field, a Ducati Panigale V4R. Furthermore, the Belgian structure will feature a certain Sam Lowes who no longer needs to be introduced and who will therefore have the opportunity to compete against his twin brother Alex, Kawasaki official in the category...
To the official Aruba.it Racing team and the Barni, Motocorsa and GoEleven teams, Ducati will add among its representatives in WSBK le Marc VDS Racing. A new challenge for Sam Lowes and for the Belgian team opens, with the clear intention of repeating the successes acquired in Moto2, where the pilot of 32 years old has so far collected seven victories, 15 podiums and 12 pole positions. Furthermore, Marc VDS Racing currently represents in this intermediate class of Grands Prix a total of 100 podiums and three world titles in 2014, 2017 and 2019.
« I am happy and ready to start this new adventure in the Superbike World Championship. And I'm even happier to do it with our awesome driver, Sam Lowes. I am also very proud to start this new adventure with the Ducati, which is undoubtedly the bike to race with in WorldSBK », commented the count Van Der Straten, team owner.
« This expansion opportunity arrives at the perfect time. After 14 years in MotoGP, where the Marc VDS Racing Team showed great potential, we are ready to take on a new challenge. We raced in Moto3, Moto2, MotoGP and MotoE, winning three titles. Our commitment to Moto2 remains as strong as ever and I look forward to many more successes in the future in the category where our two-wheeled journey began »continued the owner of the Belgian team. “ Moto2 will be the platform that will allow us to gain great experience to continue growing and replicate our successes in another world-class championship such as WorldSBK ».
Sam Lowes: “ if you look at the history of World SBK, many British riders have achieved extraordinary results with Ducati »
« As this is a long-term project, we will strive to adapt quickly, so that we can get to the front of the pack as soon as possible. It is also a pride to take this step with Sam Lowes, a great rider who has demonstrated what he is capable of in Moto2 and who shares the values and know-how of our team. Finally, counting on the experience and successes of Ducati completes a package that has everything it takes to be perfect and exciting! I hope that the whole Marc VDS family is as happy as I am and that, as always, we can count on their support! ».
Returning to the Superbike paddock, where he won the Supersport category title in 2013, Sam Lowes is ready to embark on the last great adventure of his career, which will allow him to compete with his twin Alex, who works for the team Kawasaki.
« I have a lot to learn in this new category, including the bike, the tires and some new tracks. But I'm very motivated and excited about this opportunity. I have an open mind and am willing to adapt and learn what I need to be competitive in World SBK “, declared the Englishman, then explaining the determining factors of his decision: “ I always had the goal of racing in World Superbike and after winning the World Supersport title in 2013 it was a normal step. But I chose to try the Grand Prix paddock. I'm happy and proud to have had such a great career in GP, and I enjoyed it a lot, but now I think it's the right time to move to WorldSBK, try a different bike and learn how to ride one Superbike. Also, I believe in myself and I know that I can achieve good results ».
Proud of this new opportunity, the English driver is eager to test the Panigale V4R which dominates the championship with Alvaro Bautista. " It is a privilege to race for the Marc VDS Racing Team and taking this step together is a great emotion, as I am sure they can also become a strong and top team in WorldSBK. I am very grateful to Marc Van Der Straten for trusting me in this new project. We have a great relationship, we have achieved good results together and we aim to achieve many more ».
Then he concludes: “ Ducati achieves excellent results in many categories and does an extraordinary job. Being able to use their bike will be fantastic and, if you look at the history of World SBK, many British riders have achieved extraordinary results with Ducati, so that is already a great motivation for me ».
