Lowes: "I’m feeling great with the R1"
Yamaha duo head to Jerez with high levels of confidence
Fresh off the back of a double podium around Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours, as well as a mid-season test at Portimao, the Pata Yamaha Official WorldSBK Team of Alex Lowes and Michael van der Mark are looking forward to the final European round of the season.
British rider Lowes celebrated his third podium finish of 2017 at the last round, and heads to Circuito de Jerez with high levels of confidence. Continuing to make some strong steps with his YZF-R1, he enjoys riding around the southern Spanish circuit despite some bad luck there in the past. However the 27 year old aims to take his momentum forward and improve on his better result of seventh.
"Jerez is a track I really enjoy,” begins a positive Lowes. “We had a very productive test in Portimao and I'm feeling great with the R1. We have made really good progress with the bike throughout the year and it shows in our results. The test was another step forward and we found some really positive improvements that allowed me to ride with a lot more confidence. It was great to be on the podium with Michael at Magny-Cours and it was just reward for all the effort the team has put in, so I am looking to continue this momentum and finish the season as strong as possible plus, of course, I will be trying to get back on that podium!"
Dutch team-mate Michael van der Mark has a stronger record around Circuito de Jerez than his team-mate, taking a podium here in WorldSBK back in 2015 with Honda. Combine his confidence around the circuit with the new found confidence on board his YZF-R1 Yamaha, the 24 year old has his sights set on his third podium of the season in Southern Spain.
Van der Mark explains his positive feelings around Jerez: "After doing a lot of testing this winter in Jerez and the progress we have made with the bike during this season, I cannot wait to see how we will go there. It is a track I have a good record at and at the moment, we are in a very strong position after great results in the last three races and a really productive test in Portimao. My mission will be to fight as close to the front as possible again and, of course, the podium would be even better!"
Watch the Yamaha duo fight it out to be at the front of the pack around Jerez with action getting underway on Friday 20th October, with lights out for race one on Saturday at 13.00 LT. All action can be followed live on the WorldSBK VideoPass.
