After missing the seventh round of the 2024 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship at Portimao, Sam Lowes (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) returned to track action at Estoril on testing duties. An opportunity to learn the track, get back into the swing of things and check the strength of his shoulder, the 33-year-old set 51 laps and whilst it was positive overall, still had some pain. It comes after he fractured his left collarbone in a Superpole Race crash back at Most but now, his aim is to return for Magny-Cours.

“It felt great to be back on the bike after this recent lay-off and the laps I completed today were positive," began the rookie, hitting the track for the first time since Most where he suffered the fall. "I’ve never raced at Estoril before, so this was a good opportunity to learn the track and get an understanding of lines and braking markers for when we come back in October.

“A key part of the test though was to understand where I’m at with the recovery of the shoulder and while it went well, I still have some pain. And the shoulder area is still quite weak, so I will go away now and work hard on making sure I am in the best possible shape for Magny-Cours. It was just nice to be back on the bike though and being with the team again and I’m really looking forward to racing in France.”

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