In a candid revelation, Alex Lowes has laid bare his solitary frustration from the 2025 WorldSBK season, marking a pivotal year in his career as he took the helm of Bimota’s racing efforts. The Lincolnshire native transitioned from a long-standing association with Kawasaki, a team he had invested significant time in, only to find himself navigating an entirely new landscape after the Japanese manufacturer scaled back its involvement.
This season was anything but smooth sailing for Lowes. After Kawasaki shifted to a one-rider team while keeping their powerful engine, Bimota embraced this engine to accompany their own chassis. With such a substantial overhaul, Lowes experienced a rollercoaster of emotions throughout the season. Despite the challenges, he managed to secure a commendable sixth place in the championship standings, clinching all four of Bimota’s podiums.
Reflecting on the season, Lowes pinpointed the second round in Portugal as a major disappointment. “Portimao was a shame because I had the yellow flag in qualifying, so I went from fourth to last on the grid, and I didn’t handle that well,” he lamented, showcasing the immense pressure of competition. The disappointment from Phillip Island further compounded his frustrations, influencing his mindset as he approached the race in Portimao. “I felt quite good on the bike, and I was trying to, let’s say, prove the project, almost, looking back then,” he recounted, revealing his determination to turn the tide.
However, the reality of racing soon set in. Lowes battled valiantly, climbing to eighth in the first race before suffering a crash. The Superpole Race proved equally challenging, and another crash in the final race left him with no points from Portimao. “Those two rounds, if I take those out, it was a good year. But Portimao was not good,” he summarized, emphasizing the stark contrast between his expectations and the results.
Despite the setbacks in Portugal, Lowes rebounded strongly with a top-six finish in Assen, signaling a shift in momentum. His crowning achievement came with a spectacular second-place finish at Misano, a proud moment for the Bimota team as it marked their first podium at home. From Hungary onward, Lowes consistently placed within the top six, particularly excelling in long races. “I’d say I was riding well in the second half of [2025],” he reflected, showcasing his resilience and adaptability.
Lowes also shared insights into his evolving riding style, noting the necessity to adjust his approach after years of familiarity with the Kawasaki. “You just have to ride the bike a little bit– not smoother, that’s not the right word, but softer in certain ways you force the bike. I understand it a lot more now,” he explained, highlighting the intricate relationship between rider and machine.
The transition from the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR to the KB998 was not without its challenges. “Four or five years on the Kawasaki, you get into habits of the Kawasaki without even realizing, sort of subconscious,” he noted, emphasizing the mental hurdles he faced in adapting to the Bimota. Yet, as the season progressed, he found joy in the ride. “Now I’m really enjoying the bike, it’s a pleasure to ride, we just need to keep working for some more performance,” he concluded, signaling optimism for the future.
Lowes’ journey through the 2025 WorldSBK season is a testament to his tenacity and growth as a rider, leaving fans eagerly anticipating what lies ahead in his racing career.
