Sam Lowes Retained by Marc VDS for Second WSBK Season

Sam Lowes has signed a new one-year contract with the Marc VDS Racing team for the 2025 World Superbike campaign.

The 2025 season will be Lowes’ second in the world championship after switching from Moto2 at the end of last season. But it will be his sixth with the team across all championships, after he joined Marc VDS in 2020, the year he came closest to winning the Moto2 crown.

His contract renewal with Marc VDS means Lowes will remain aboard the ultra-competitive Ducati Panigale V4 R, which won all three races last time out at Aragon thanks to Andrea Iannone, who claimed his maiden World Superbike victory in Saturday’s race one, before Alvaro Bautista completed a Sunday double.

“I’m very happy and proud to be continuing for one more year in WorldSBK with the Elf Marc VDS Racing Team,” said Lowes. “The goal for me and the team was always a minimum two-year plan due to the massive difference between Moto2 and WorldSBK.

“The last couple of races have been complicated with my shoulder injury but the first rounds were really enjoyable as we made good progress, so I am looking forward to getting some strong results in the final part of the season. We will focus a lot over the next races to make some steps forward, so we can start the 2025 season at a much higher level.

“I am enjoying the challenge of racing in WorldSBK. I am enjoying the bike, and the technical differences compared to Moto2, so let’s first enjoy the end of the 2024 season before focusing on future challenges.

“I have to say a big thanks once again to Marc van der Straten and everybody connected to the Elf Marc VDS Racing Team for their trust and support.”

2024 has been a steep learning curve for Lowes, while he’s also fallen victim to the World Superbike injury bug. However, there have also been flashes of huge potential, such as in Barcelona where he led the Superpole Race before crashing out of the lead.

Speaking about the new deal, Marc VDS team owner Marc van der Stratten said: “Sam’s [Lowes] dedication and determination to improve day by day and earn himself a place among the fastest in WorldSBK has been admirable. “New beginnings are always complicated, as it’s not easy to adapt and move forward every day. That’s why I’m proud to continue with Sam for the 2025 season.

“I am convinced that next year his name and Elf Marc VDS Racing will shine at the top of the Championship standings.”

Lowes is currently 18th in the championship standings and has 45 points to his name.

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