Alex Lowes claims debut WSBK podium

VOLTCOM Crescent Suzuki's Alex Lowes achieved his first World Superbike podium at the Assen TT Circuit in wet conditions on Sunday after only three rounds.

The British rider and reigning British Superbike Champion secured second place on Sunday in race two after starting from ninth on the grid after an hours delayed restart due to torrential rain causing standing water and lack of visibility. 

Lowes set numerous fastest laps throughout the race including the Pirelli Fastest Lap award and continued to close the gap towards the leading man Pata Honda's Jonathan Rea.

Unfortunately, the restart meant only a 10-lap raced as opposed to 15 and therefore left Lowes with less time to make his move for the lead.

 Speaking after race two, the 23-year-old said: "It’s fantastic, it was a great race for me and it’s really good for the team for me to finally get on the podium!

"It was a wet race, so it’s never as nice as getting on the podium in the dry but I’m very happy and hopefully this can kick start our season after the injuries.

Lowes added: "It’s been a really difficult start to the year for me, and now I’ve got some good points on the board and a podium, I’m looking forward to hopefully improving both myself and the bike, and seeing if we can be a bit closer to the front in the dry!"

In race one Lowes finished in ninth - his best finish until race two - however, the first race was cut short as red flags were shown due to oil on the circuit. 

After a podium finish and a ninth position the Suzuki rider goes into the fourth round of the season 10th in the World Superbike Championship standings.