The MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship kicked off in fine style at the Chang International Circuit, with fierce, cut-throat racing throughout the 20-lap encounter. From third on the grid, Alex Lowes (Pata Yamaha WorldSBK Team) may have been pushed wide at Turn 1 by Leon Haslam (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) but in no time at all – was back into third position where he would remain for the entirety of Race 1.

After a promising Tissot Superpole session which saw him complete the front row, Lowes had a strong race pace, completing the 20-lap race in his quickest time ever – despite still being more than 15 seconds behind race winner, Alvaro Bautista (ARUBA.IT Racing – Ducati). It’s Lowes’ third podium in Thailand, with only Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) and Tom Sykes (BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) achieving more.

After the race, third-placed in the championship Lowes said; “I’m quite a happy with the race, it is like a win for us. But it is almost gutting to say that, to be 14 seconds off too. To ride what you think is a really good race and hold your teammate off and still be 14 seconds off is gutting. I enjoyed the race and I am happy to get another podium and I hope I can get another one tomorrow.”

Having giving Yamaha their 241^st WorldSBK podium, he continued, saying: “When I was battling with Alvaro after he ran wide, the speed he came past me on the short straight was a bit frustrating because I couldn't even stay in his slipstream. So, a shame to be so far off the winner, but I'm satisfied with the third place."

Lowes made it Great Britain’s 657^th individual podium placing, after Rea had made it 656^th by finishing second. In the last two years in Thailand, the rider who has finished in third place in Race 1 has gone on to improve their position on Sunday. What lies ahead for Lowes?

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