2014 World Superbike Championship News
The man who won the 2013 British Superbike Championship – Alex Lowes – has signed with Voltcom Crescent Suzuki for the 2014 World Superbike Championship.
Lowes, 23, of Lincoln, UK, will join Eugene Laverty on the team, and pilot a GSX-R 1000 in this year’s WSBK Championship.
Lowes already got a taste of World SBK during two pre-season tests at Jerez in Spain, but due to contractual agreements, the team couldn’t officially make the announcement.
Lowes is fresh from winning the British title in the final race of the last event of the 2013 season and is now making the step up to the global stage for 2014. He is the twin brother of new World Supersport Champion, Sam, and is looking to emulate his sibling’s achievements on the world stage.
During the test, Suzuki says Lowes looked comfortable and was quickly up to speed aboard the Yohimura-powered GSX-R 1000. He worked very closely with his new crew-chief Lez Pearson, spent valuable time with new teammate Eugene Laverty and fitted-in with the Crescent team immediately, Suzuki reports.
Lowes and teammate Laverty will have their first outings on the GSX-R 1000 at Phillip Island in Australia Feb. 23, the opening round of 2013 World Superbiike.
Alex Lowes (Voltcom Crescent Suzuki GSX-R 1000 Superbike) says: “This is just mega for me! I am coming to the Voltcom Crescent Suzuki team off a great year and making a step up to the World Championship, it’s just a fantastic opportunity and I can’t wait to get started properly.
“I did a couple of shake-down tests to get to know my crew and the bike and I want to thank Honda for letting me do that, as it gave me an early insight into what WSB is like. The GSX-R felt great straight away; I think I will enjoy racing this bike a lot.
“I am really looking forward to the new season and I will try to learn as much as I can from Eugene and then try to beat him! I know this will be a learning year for me, but I am eagerly anticipating it. I also want to say thanks to Suzuki and Paul for giving me this opportunity; now it’s time to repay their trust.”
Paul Denning (Voltcom Crescent Suzuki Team Manager) says: “Alex was the first rider decision we made for 2014 and having experienced his commitment, ability to learn and raw speed at the two tests we’ve completed so far, it only strengthens our belief that we have a very special talent riding for the Voltcom Crescent Suzuki team for next season.
“Alex rode a spectacular year in British Superbikes and showed incredible tenacity and maturity – considering his young age – to win the championship. He appears to fit the Suzuki GSX-R well, looks comfortable and has an inner confidence that never comes over as arrogant.
“Eugene’s experience and speed will be another help to Alex as he enters his first season of World Superbike competition and we couldn’t be happier with the overall rider line-up and the opportunities that are in-front of us.”
