Lowes already ‘building for 2022’ after injury plagued season

After missing race two in San Juan last time out, Alex Lowes returns to WorldSBK action this weekend following surgery on his right-hand. 

The all-new Mandalika International Circuit, Indonesia, will host the 2021 season finale after concluding its circuit construction earlier this month. 

It’s also a round which presents an opportunity for Lowes to try and regain sixth in the championship standings.

After a strong start to his season - double podium in Aragon, Lowes occupied fourth position for much of the season, however, a mid-season hand injury and improved form from Michael Rinaldi and rookie Andrea Locatelli saw the former BSB champion relegated to sixth. 

That became seventh at the penultimate round in San Juan last month as Michael Van Der Mark took advantage of Lowes’ race two absence to extend his margin to the KRT man. 

Although the British rider is just 23 points behind former team-mate Van Der Mark, Lowes is already focusing more on ‘building for 2022’. 

"It’s the final race of 2021 and it’s been a frustrating year for me. I’m sure my speed with the ZX-10RR has definitely improved but I haven’t been 100% fit at all this season," said Lowes. 

"We made the decision after Argentina to have some surgery, considering the long break we’ve had in the race action. 

"Now the target is to be in better condition and finish the year strongly as we are already building for 2022. 

"Mandalika is a brand new circuit and Indonesia is a country where the fans have a great passion for two wheels. 

"Both of these reasons are why I’m so happy to be going there and I’m excited to get started. It would be great to finish the season on that podium."