Voltcom Suzuki’s Alex Lowes bounced back from a 140mph get-off at Doohan Corner in today’s Phillip Island World Superbike final free practice to bag a second-row grid slot for tomorrow’s double-header.
The British rider didn’t account for the warmer track temperatures in the afternoon session and joined Australian Matt Walters in the grass as he lost the front. Lowes re-grouped in Superpole two and netted fifth place in qualifying despite having to use his spare GSX-R1000.
“Not as easy today, but we’ve still ended up in a good grid position. I made a mistake in the warmer temperatures in FP4 and tucked the front at turn one and enjoyed a 140mph body-slide but I’m 100 per cent ok, and have to say a big thanks to the guys at RST for making me such strong leathers – the bike wasn’t as lucky,” said Lowes.
“The boys did a great job getting the spare bike set up for Superpole but it was the first time I’d ever ridden it and didn’t go as fast as I would have liked on the race tyres but needed to play my way back into it after the crash. The target for tonight is to see how we can improve the GSX-R for today’s hot conditions which have completely changed the character of the track. Whatever the conditions tomorrow I’ll be giving it everything and looking for two really good finishes.”
