Alex Lowes (Bimota): No expectations for Magny-Cours – but hopes of a podium

Although Alex Lowes has only secured one podium finish so far in his second season with the Bimota KB998 (compared to four in 2025), the 2026 Superbike World Championship has been a great success for the Englishman to date. Currently fourth in the championship with 182 points, he is the highest-placed non-Ducati rider and, with four rounds still to go, he is highly likely to surpass last year’s points tally (218).

Magny-Cours is a good place for the Bimota rider to make a strong comeback from the long summer break. At no other circuit has Lowes secured more podium finishes (9) or more pole positions (2).

“Magny-Cours is always a circuit I enjoy – the bike runs well there, and I’ve been quite strong there in recent years,” recalls the 35-year-old. “I’m trying not to set my expectations too high, though. After all, there were circuits where we were quick last year but where the pace has taken a huge leap forward this year – particularly the Ducatis. That’s why I’ll be approaching this with an open mind. The aim is always to fight for the podium.”

Team-mate Axel Bassani is particularly pleased that the summer break is finally over. “We’re focusing on the race in France – the first race weekend in seven weeks! It’s been a really, really long summer break,” the Italian reiterated his criticism. “We’ll start work as usual on Friday at Magny-Cours and focus on the task at hand. From there, we’ll try to work out where we stand and we’ll work towards achieving the best possible results in the races.”