Voltcom Suzuki’s Alex Lowes is still getting to grips with the new Magneti Marelli electronics which were installed at the Aragon World Superbike round and says that he is still testing at Imola this weekend.

Lowes ended the first day of pratice in sixth place and 1.3s off the pace of Jonathan Rea but is pragmatic about what he can achieve in Italy and thinks that a couple of top-six finishes is the mark.

“We only did seven laps in the second session because of a problem with the bike. We made some progress but it’s the electronics and we are still testing. It’s difficult to beat those boys when your bike is working well but when you go out in every session, the engine braking has changing, the throttle position has changed, the connection has changed, you have to be realistic about what you can achieve,” said Lowes, speaking at the track.

“We are still struggling but hopefully we will make a step tomorrow. It’s all we can do really, kep plugging away session by session and just remain calm. We can do a decent job when the bike is better, but that’s all we can do this weekend. Top six twice will be mega. You shouldn’t say that because we want to be on the podium but you have to be realistic.”

Lowes has been joined at Imola by twin brother and Moto2 title contender Sam, but there are no plans for the elder Lowes to don leathers and do a session in Alex’s place. Just to, you know, have a look at the problem.

“It’s nice that Sam is here but we aren’t going to swap, Superbikes have too much horsepower for him, he is only used to 600s, that’s all he can do!”