Pata Yamaha Official WorldSBK riders Alex Lowes and Sylvain Guintoli will battle for the final time this week as the 2016 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship reaches its season climax in the heart of the Qatari desert.

Guintoli is eager to return to the circuit that holds special significance having convincingly secured the rider's Superbike World Championship title in 2014, by claiming the fastest lap of the weekend alongside victory in both races. That year saw racing under lights for the first time WorldSBK history.

"I have some very special memories from Doha after clinching the title there in 2014,” said Guintoli. “Losail is a great circuit and the night races give it a very special atmosphere - it makes you feel alone on track which is a unique feeling. I'm really looking forward to going back there this week."

Lowes is also looking forward to returning to Losail for his third appearance at the Middle-Eastern track, with its high speed and flowing layout suiting his riding style. After a successful Spanish test completed after the last round at Jerez, the British rider looks to complete his season in style and hopes for a top five finish.

"Losail is a fantastic circuit, it's awesome to race there especially as we race at night, which is always really exciting,” said Lowes. It's a flat track without many points of reference which can make it difficult to learn and there are a couple of places that look the same on entry but when you arrive at the corners they couldn't be more different - one is a fast fourth gear corner which opens up compared to a second-gear ever-tightening corner. The front straight is a kilometre long so speeds are high and it is also the last race of the year so it's one I really look forward to! I feel the fittest I have felt all year after a tough season with lots of different injuries but now I am feeling good and want to end 2016 the best way I can!"

Alex Lowes and Sylvain Guintoli will hit the track on Friday 28th October for the opening practice at sunset, before racing is illuminated by 1000 floodlights as the weekend unfolds. Battle commences at 20:00 local time on Saturday and 21:00 on Sunday.