Sam Lowes says he feels “lucky” to have suffered no more than a broken wrist in his crash in Race 2 at the Australian WorldSBK.

Lowes was running in third position in the final race of the weekend at WorldSBK’s 2026 season opener. After clearing the two Bimota riders in the opening six laps, it initially seemed the Marc VDS rider would have the pace to go on after Yari Montella for second. 

However, Lowes crashed at turn three on lap eight, ending his race. He was able to walk away, but a trip to the medical centre revealed fractures in Lowes’ left wrist.

“It’s obviously disappointing to come away from the opening round with an injury and a missed chance to get on the podium in Race 2 but the conditions were really difficult,” Lowes said after Race 2.

“I felt good going into it though after a really good battle for the podium in the Superpole Race. I didn’t quite have enough at the end to make the difference and get into the top three, but it was another solid ride. 

“The conditions changed a lot for Race 2 and in the early laps I was just figuring out how the bike was going to perform. 

“This was the first time I’d ridden the new bike in the wet and it highlighted some areas we need to work on in the future. 

“I felt good, though, and had got myself into a strong position when I had a big crash in turn three.”

Lowes added that the crash was one of the biggest he’s had for a while, and that he still intends on racing the second round of the season at Portimao at the end of March.

“It can happen in those conditions, but it was a very big crash. It was one of the biggest I’ve had for a long time, so I feel lucky to be relatively okay. 

“I can still take a lot of positives from what has been an eventful weekend but now it’s all eyes on Portugal and getting myself in the best shape possible for the next round.”