Voltcom Suzuki’s Alex Lowes was unable to show his potential in the World Superbike qualifying session at Imola this afternoon – after a technical issue prevented him from taking part in Superpole two.
Initially Lowes impressed in the morning's free practices, consistently hitting the 1'48.1 mark, his lap times echoing his growing confidence. Unfortunately the potential would remain untapped as a gearbox problem resulted in the team's decision to withdraw the bike for the Superpole session.
The reigning MCE British Superbike champion will start tomorrow's races from twelfth place on the grid but his growing form and confidence with the track guarantee that he is certainly up for the challenge.
"I feel a lot more comfortable on the track today, the bike's improving, I'm improving and I feel like I've worked really well this weekend. To be seventh before the qualifying session was good,” said Lowes.
“We were just unlucky I didn't get to go out and be further up the grid. It's going to be difficult tomorrow but I'm going to do my best, enjoy it a lot and hopefully I can take some experience and some good points ready for my home race at Donington.
“I do generally feel like I'm riding better, I think I'm doing a good job and I'm looking forward to the races even though I know how hard it's going to be after a difficult day today."
