Lowes won’t change plan of attack at Misano

Despite losing ground to the leading trio in the World Superbike championship standings last time out at Jerez, Alex Lowes says he won’t change his plan for Misano as he aims to retain his podium-fighting pace in Italy.

Lowes was involved in the centre of controversy at Jerez when he was taken out by Jonathan Rea in a final-corner scrap for third place in race one.

Carrying the effects of his fall with a shoulder injury in Sunday’s two races, Lowes tipped off in the Superpole race and again in the final race of the weekend.

With Lowes collecting just two points at Jerez, he has seen a 46-point gap instantly grow between himself and Pata Yamaha team-mate Michael van der Mark in the riders’ standings having effectively lost touch with leading duo Alvaro Bautista and Rea.

But rather than look to take risks to recover the deficit at Misano, Lowes is confident of sticking to his plan building up his speed across the race weekend in order to fight back having gained confidence from a test at the Italian circuit last month.

“After a good test in Misano a few weeks ago, and with speed we showed in Jerez, I’m looking forward to getting back on track this weekend,” Lowes said. “We didn’t get the results we were hoping for in Jerez, but rather than going into Misano looking to make amends, I’m going to stick to the working process with my guys that has worked so well for us all year.

“We showed we had the pace to challenge for the podium in Jerez, so we know we can do the same this weekend in Misano. 

“It’s always a great atmosphere when you race in Italy and, unlike the test, this weekend looks like it’s going to be a scorcher.”