Voltcom Suzuki’s Alex Lowes made some radical setup changes to his GSX-R1000 at the Jerez World Supebrike round which have given him a strong race pace but impacted on his speed over one fast lap.
Lowes has increased the steering head angle which makes the bike more difficult to turn but gives a more consistent package over 20 laps.
“Qualifying was a little disappointing because in free practice four we did a good race simulation and our race pace is better than one-lap pace, and that is usually the other way around. We had a couple of problems in qualifying which meant we couldn’t get the most out of the sticky tyre,” said Lowes, speaking to bikesportnews.com at the track.
“We’re ninth but a solid start and a couple of good laps at the start and we should be there or thereabouts. I don’t think we have got podium pace but we should be able to get the most out of the bike. Normally, the morning race is better for us but we have been quick here in free practice two and four.
“We made some changes to the set up, made the bike longer and increased the steering head angle. It feels like it has turned around a bit but we have something else to try in morning warm-up when it is cooler too.”
