For the first time since fracturing his left collarbone, Sam Lowes returned to track action at a test in Estoril.

Sam Lowes is back on track after fracturing his left collarbone in the Superpole Race at Most. Lowes missed the seventh round of the World Superbike season at Portimao due to injury.

But Lowes has been back on track testing at Estoril. The purpose of this test was for Lowes to check the strength of his shoulder and learn the Estoril circuit.

Across the test, Lowes completed 51 laps in Portugal and felt it was positive, but he still had some pain. The next goal for the 33-year-old after this test is to try and be fit for the French WorldSBK round at Magny-Cours.

“It felt great to be back on the bike after this recent lay-off and the laps I completed today were positive," Lowes said, after riding for the first time since his crash in Most.

"I’ve never raced at Estoril before, so this was a good opportunity to learn the track and get an understanding of lines and braking markers for when we come back in October.

“A key part of the test though was to understand where I’m at with the recovery of the shoulder and while it went well, I still have some pain. And the shoulder area is still quite weak, so I will go away now and work hard on making sure I am in the best possible shape for Magny-Cours. It was just nice to be back on the bike though and being with the team again and I’m really looking forward to racing in France.”