Voltcom Suzuki’s Alex Lowes had a blistering start to the opening World Superbike race at Jerez, and was even as high as second in the early part of the outing, but the rider lost some pace and crashed on the first corner on the 14th rotation, and after all his hard work ended race one with no points.

The second race was better for Lowes and he ended up finishing inside the top ten, in ninth for seven championship points. The Derby-based rider was adamant that he had the pace to challenge with the front runners and left the Spanish circuit feeling frustrated.

“It was a frustrating day and not the results we wanted but, as ever, I never give in and pushed hard on the GSX-R. I’m frustrated with the crash as I don’t really know what happened but the team worked really hard to make the changes needed for race two,” said Lowes.

“If it wasn’t for the bad start I think we would’ve had a chance of running with Eugene in the second race, but I lost time getting caught up with Elias. I’m looking forward to the next round and will be working hard with the team to get back up there for Magny-Cours.”