Nature or nurture is always a talking point in racing. Can you develop a rider into a star or are they born with God given talent to get the most out of a motorcycle? Speed is something that is difficult to teach but the rest of racing is something that can be developed. Ahead of the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship’s visit to the Autodrom Most, WorldSBK commentator Steve English looks at Sam Lowes' (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) transformation between the #14’s rookie and sophomore seasons.

ATMOSPHERE CAN BE CRUCIAL: how the team can give a rider an extra edge

Physical training and fitness can give a rider an edge. Intelligence and race craft can be the difference between winning a race and coming away with a podium. What about the environment in a garage though? If the atmosphere is strained between a rider and his crew, it can make for a long season. When everyone is working well together, the season flows from one round to the next.

Bo Schembechler, a legendary coach, famously said that “the team, the team, the team” was the secret to winning. While Schembechler was talking about American Football, he could just as easily have been speaking about motorcycle racing. This is a sport centred on an individual but where every person in a team plays a crucial role in allowing their rider to succeed. Sam Lowes and the ELF Marc VDS Racing Team are a good case in point for this. 

CONTRAST BETWEEN 2024 AND 2025: changes made for Lowes seem to pay off

Last year, as a rookie, Lowes started the season well, but as injuries clocked up his form suffered. By the end of the season, it was clear that a change was needed. That change was highlighted by bringing in Gorka Segura as crew chief. Through four rounds the results can speak for themselves. After over 150 Grand Prix starts, Lowes’ speed has never been in doubt but the form and confidence he’s had this year speaks of the impact of the environment around him. Segura, formerly the crew chief for Xavi Vierge at Honda HRC, has been able to bring the best out of his rider. Into his second year in WorldSBK, Lowes has looked strong and confident at each round this year.

A career best weekend in Australia kicked off 2025, a first pole position and podium at Assen was followed by another strong weekend at the Italian Round at Cremona. These performances are now the expectation rather than the hope for Lowes and Marc VDS. This weekend, at the Autodromo Most, will be a real test for the 34-year-old Englishman.

Last year, a scary crash at Turn 1, caused by a mechanical issue, left him with a broken shoulder. It was the nadir of Lowes’ rookie campaign. From that point onwards, scoring points became a challenge. Missing rounds and recovering from injury made for a difficult second half of the season. Now, the rider is confident and able to get the most from himself. 

SECOND SEASON FOR THE TEAM: experience helping Lowes make a step

The changes within the garage have helped Lowes. As has the fact that for the team this is their second season together. Whether it’s mechanics, engineers or other team personnel knowing the dynamics of a race weekend and the calendar makes a big difference into their second season. Former racer Leon Camier works with the squad as their rider coach and analyst. The ex-Honda team manager has seen the impact a team can have on a rider’s prospects. The Englishman was a touted prospect when he embarked on his WorldSBK career having been a British champion in 125GP, Supersport and Superbike classes. His ten-year World Championship career was successful, but he never won a race. 

Camier knows what a rider needs to succeed. The biggest factor is having a team believe in you. The atmosphere in the garage matters. In the Moto2™ World Championship, Marc VDS have won multiple titles. They understand what it takes to win races, Championships and get the most from people. It has now clicked into place in WorldSBK. Last year the team could have been forgiven for wishing the season to end. Now, the goal is simple; maintaining their Superpole form and getting back on the podium.

Follow all the action from the Autodrom Most using the WorldSBK VideoPass – now 30% off!