Sam Lowes (Ducati): Potential for the podium – not for the gravel trap

With Magny-Cours, the 2026 Superbike World Championship enters the final third of the season. This will be followed by the rounds at Cremona in Italy, Estoril and Jerez. For Sam Lowes, these are four opportunities to boost his points tally. The Ducati customer rider is on course to cement his best Superbike season yet – if he scores eight points or more in France, he will have already amassed more points than he did in the entire 2025 season.

Lowes’ real goal, however, is different: more podium finishes, in the hope of perhaps still securing third place in the overall World Championship standings. However, there is a gap of no fewer than 34 points separating him from his brand-mate Yari Montella, who is currently third. The 35-year-old is just five points behind his twin brother Alex, who occupies fourth place.

“It’s been a very long break since our home race at Donington, so I’m really looking forward to it and feel ready to resume the season this weekend at Magny-Cours,” said Sam with relief. “The break gave me the chance to switch off a bit and get myself into top form for the final part of the season. I felt strong there last year, even if our results didn’t reflect that. So I believe we have great potential this weekend.”

Lowes’ record at Magny-Cours, however, is a shambles. Of his six races so far at the Circuit de Nevers, he has only finished twice; he crashed three times, and on one occasion a technical problem caused him to retire. His best finish is ninth place in the first race a year ago. To ensure things go better in 2026, Marc VDS carried out a test at Magny-Cours.

“I felt good on the bike during the test. The most important thing is simply to get back into the flow as quickly as possible and find my rhythm,” emphasised the Ducati rider. “In any case, we want to be in the mix for the podium to put ourselves in a strong position for a strong end to the season.”

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Magny-Cours: 1. Freies Training

FIM Superbike World Championship

04.09.2026 - 10:15