Another piece of the 2026 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship line-up puzzle has fallen into place. Sam Lowes has penned a new contract with the ELF Marc VDS Racing Team squad which means he will remain with the team during the 2026 and 2027 seasons. After initially making the move from Moto2 in 2024, the #14 has made a huge step forward this season and has secured his future on the grid with the Independent team that runs the Ducati Panigale V4R after securing a maiden pole and podium at Assen.

MAKING WAVES IN WORLD SUPERSPORT: crowned Champion in 2013

The Lincoln-born rider made his debut inside the WorldSBK paddock in 2008 when he competed in STK600, before moving on to WorldSSP for two part-time campaigns in 2009 and 2010. For 2011, he secured a full-time ride with Parkalgar Honda, and he finished sixth in the Championship, claiming six podiums. He remained on Honda machinery in 2012, this time with Bogdanka PTR Honda, and was third in the standings – including a first win in the Championship on home soil at Donington Park. However, it was his move to Yakhnich Motorsport’s Yamaha R6 that paid dividends for Lowes, with six wins and 11 podiums in 12 races meaning he dominated the Championship; beating Kenan Sofuoglu by 49 points.

MOVING TO THE GRAND PRIX PADDOCK: becoming a Moto2 stalwart

Lowes’ success in WorldSSP secured him a move to Moto2 for 2014 with the Speed Up Racing squad, finishing 13^th in his first season and fourth in 2015, where he took his first rostrums in the Championship at the Circuit of the Americas – a race he won for his first Moto2 victory. He moved to Gresini Moto2 for 2016 and claimed a further two wins as he finished fifth in the standings. That secured him a move to MotoGP with Aprilia Racing Team Gresini, but a difficult year meant he scored only five points, and he returned to Moto2 for 2018. Across 2018 and 2019, he finished 16^th in the standings twice, but a switch to the Marc VDS outfit for 2020 changed his fortunes. Three wins and seven podiums in the Covid-hit 2020 campaign meant he finished third in the standings, while he was fourth in 2021 – with three wins and five rostrums. 2022 and 2023 were trickier campaigns but he was still able to take one win and three podiums.

BACK IN THE WORLD SUPERBIKE PADDOCK: a new project for team and rider

For 2024, both Lowes and the Marc VDS squad took on a new challenge with WorldSBK and the Panigale V4R. It again proved to be a difficult season for Lowes, who struggled with injury particularly after a crash at Most. However, 2025 has been a different story for the 34-year-old. He claimed a maiden WorldSBK pole at Assen, which he converted into a Tissot Superpole Race rostrum for his first in the Championship. This season, Lowes has finished in the top ten in all but three races – Portimao Race 1, when he crashed at Turn 11, Assen Race 1, when he was taken out by Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing - Ducati), and Cremona Race 1, where he finished 12^th. After a strong start to his sophomore campaign, Lowes will be hoping the second half of the season continues to deliver for him, starting with his home round at Donington, and with the security of a two-year contract in his pocket – ensuring more continuity for Lowes in a silly season that is offering a lot of change on the grid for next season.

LOWES' VIEW: “It’s a privilege to ride for this great team… I’m excited for the new bike next season”

Discussing his contract renewal, Lowes said: “I’m extremely happy and excited to announce this new two-year deal with the Marc VDS Racing Team. I want to say a big thank you to Marc van der Straten for the continued belief and support that he has given me over such a long period of time. I’d also like to thank the team management of Marina and Patrick for their hard work adapting to WorldSBK and giving me everything I need to be successful. I’m very grateful to have their full support and trust, and it's a privilege to ride for this great team. I want to use the remainder of this year to make a big step and hit the ground running next year. I’m really excited by the project, excited for the new bike next season, and I’m sure we will be ready to fight for victories. I’m motivated and determined to succeed, so a big thank you to the whole team, all the sponsors and everyone for having my back and supporting me.”

THE TEAM SAYS: “I believe in Sam’s ability to bring our WorldSBK team to the top”

Team Owner Marc van der Straten added: “I’m so pleased that our long-standing relationship with Sam will continue in 2026 and 2027. Over the years together we have built a strong foundation and great trust, and I believe in Sam’s ability to bring our WorldSBK team to the top. After a difficult debut season in 2024, he has worked very hard to improve and adapt and I am very proud that he will remain in our colours.”

Follow Lowes’ throughout the 2025 campaign using the WorldSBK VideoPass – now HALF PRICE!