Voltcom Suzuki’s Alex Lowes will treat today’s opening World Superbike practice sessions at Imola as a learning period as although the youngster has raced at the Italian track before, it was six years ago.

The reigning MCE British Superbike Champion last rode at Imola in the Superstock 600 class so is having to treat it as another track he doesn’t really know.

“It’s a learning day for me, we won’t change a lot really, maybe some gearing, just get some laps in and then, if the times come, we can start to make alterations,” said Lowes, speaking to bikesportnews.com at the circuit.