Alex Lowes ‘excited’ to begin testing ahead of important 2022 season

Alex Lowes is scheduled for his first WorldSBK action of 2022 as part of an official two-day test at Jerez which begins tomorrow. 

The Kawasaki rider will be testing alongside team-mate and six-time world champion Jonathan Rea, Puccetti Kawasaki rider Lucas Mahais, while Superbike rookies Iker Lecuona and Xavi Vierge are set for their second outing with Team HRC since leaving the grand prix paddock. 

For Lowes, it’s a chance to see where he is physically and where the bike is following a disappointing 2021 season.

What started out as a very promising campaign as he claimed three podiums from three races at Aragon, the Brit then suffered various injury issues as the year went on which caused him to miss a total of seven races including the final two in Mandalika. 

But after ‘a good rest’, the former BSB champion is eager to start testing at Jerez which is the first of two back-to-back tests for the Kawasaki Racing Team - second of those takes place on February 8-9 in Portimao.

Lowes said: "I am really excited to get back to work for 2022. I’ve taken a good rest over the holidays and enjoyed some time with the new family. 

"Now I’m feeling fresh and ready to get back to it with ‘Team 22.’ I’m interested to test some of the new stuff Marcel, my crew chief, and the guys have been working on since our last test and start building up towards the new season."

With Lowes heading into the final year of his current deal, the Kawasaki rider could be under pressure when it comes to retaining his seat for 2023. 

Should Lowes be a regular podium/top five finisher then he will be the obvious favourite to remain alongside Rea, however, if results are not where they’re expected to be then it would not be a surprise to see Kawasaki look at some of the younger talent in both WorldSBK and WorldSSP.