Kawasaki's Alex Lowes was close to pole and lap record pace in his first WorldSBK test of 2021 after recovering from a shoulder injury sustained in February.

The Derby man, who is right on schedule according to crew chief Marcel Duinker, put in 120 laps at Jerez with a best race lap of 1'39.6s and a 1'38.9 on a qualifier.

“I am really happy to be back on the bike for these two afternoons with the team. I was not sure how much I would be able to do with my shoulder but we did a lot of laps - 65 I think on the final day - and I was able to continue the work that we started with the new package in November,"said Lowes.

"This was positive because we did not know if we could be on a good enough pace to start working - but we were. We literally picked up where we left off, the pace was good and we found some positive steps with the bike. Also, with my riding, as I have been focusing in the winter to be smoother on the exit of the corners.

"It was a really positive test and we ticked all the boxes we had set out for these two days. We are looking forward to the official test now in Montmelo. A big thank you to Kawasaki, KRT and all the team for putting this extra test on for me, after missing two with the injury. I am really happy to get 2021 back underway.”

Lowes had to contend with strong, gusty wind conditions on a bike he is still getting used to. The 2021 ZX-10RR features engine, chassis and aerodynamic advances compared to the previous model, with Lowes and his crew confirming some key items at this test after his long lay-off from riding

“Alex had not ridden the bike for some time but he was impressive from the second or third lap during his first pit lane exit yesterday. He was straight up to speed," said Duinker.

"One of the targets of this test was to check his physical condition after his little accident. We soon understood that he was on 99 per cent. The other priority was to check one item with the chassis on the bike, over distance, and this is now done.

"We made close to 120 laps over these two days. We used a race tyre and a Q tyre at the end of the day and with both race and Q tyre he was the fastest on track. He made a 1’39.6 on a race tyre and a 1’38.9 on a Q. He was fast, consistent and did not complain about any physical limitation. We are right on schedule - on target.

"We missed some tests but in the end it has not affected us at all. The weather was nice and hot but there was a very strong wind, so that was not ideal. I think the track was not as fast as in November, because the wind was strong and inconsistent, disturbing the riders quite a lot. We still