Lowes struggles with ‘hotter conditions, carrying corner speed’ after six laps

Alex Lowes claimed two top five finishes and a sixth in WorldSBK race two at Misano, but was once again missing pace compared to team-mate Jonathan Rea. 

In both feature races Lowes was 13 seconds down on race winners Michael Rinaldi and Toprak Razgatlioglu - ten seconds down on Rea. 

But while Lowes wasn’t able to challenge for the podium at any stage, it was however a better round for the Brit compared to Estoril. 

In race two it looked like Lowes might be on course for a third straight fifth place, before the fast charging GRT Yamaha of Garrett Gerloff took that position. 

Lowes alluded to ‘hotter conditions’ being the cause of his struggles, but that it’s given him the data and experience he now needs going forward.

"This weekend we struggled in the hotter conditions to really find the feeling we wanted. In the Superpole Race I felt a little bit better so we made a change for the second race, with the balance of the bike a bit more forward," added Lowes. 

"I thought that after this morning’s experience that was going to be better. But it looks like when the track temperature arrived above 50°C I was really struggling to carry corner speed after maybe six or seven laps. 

"It was a shame because after 12 or 13 laps I could see Garrett Gerloff catching me and I had no chance to battle with him. 

"Misano, in these hot sunny conditions, is a special place. I feel a lot better prepared now for other tracks if we have hot temperatures, as we have more experience on the Kawasaki."