After a decade competing in the Moto2 World Championship and achieving ten career wins from 155 starts, British rider Sam Lowes transitioned to the World Superbike Championship (WorldSBK) in 2024. The Lincoln-born racer reunited with his longtime partner MarcVDS, joining the team for its inaugural WorldSBK campaign after four seasons together in Moto2. This shift marks a significant change in Lowes’ career as he targets renewed success amid the evolving landscape of motorcycle racing. The move also reflects Lowes’ belief that WorldSBK offers promising opportunities for his future.
Challenges and Breakthroughs in Early WorldSBK Seasons
Lowes faced obstacles during his debut WorldSBK season as he struggled to adapt to the satellite Ducati machinery while managing injury setbacks. Despite such difficulties in 2024, the British rider’s performance visibly improved in his second season. In 2025, Lowes secured five podium finishes and earned his first pole position at Donington Park, highlighting his growing competitiveness and comfort within the Superbike paddock. His increased pace has helped establish him as a genuine contender at the front of the pack, validating his decision to switch championships.
“I’ve definitely felt a lot more at home this year,”
Lowes said in an interview with Motorsport Week.
“Last year, there were a lot of unknowns, and also some injuries, and I didn’t quite gel with everything, so it took me a bit to get going. This year, overall, I feel like I’ve been a lot more competitive, and when you’re more competitive, you enjoy it a lot more, so it’s obvious. But I do feel like I’m starting to understand it a lot. Honestly, it’s such a different bike. I know it’s well obvious to say, but it’s such a different bike than the Moto2 bike: electronics-wise, the weight of the bike, speed of the bike. When I first jumped on it, I was fast straight away, fast-ish, but it’s that last bit that’s hard. With some injuries last year, and not quite gelling with it, it took a bit longer than expected. I know how strong the Superbike class is, so I didn’t expect it to be easy, but this year I understand a lot more. I feel like we’re in the right way and good overall.”
The Influence of Experience and Family Support on Lowes’ Progress
Lowes’ rapid ascent in WorldSBK stems partly from his prior experience racing Superbike machinery in national competitions like the British Superbike Championship (BSB) and his exposure to the World Supersport 300 (WorldSSP300) class. Beyond mechanical familiarity, Lowes credits much of his growth to the experience and guidance of his twin brother, Alex Lowes, who has been a mainstay in WorldSBK since 2014. The brothers, who both rose through motorcycle racing ranks, have kept a close relationship despite competing on different manufacturers — Sam on Ducati and Alex on Kawasaki-turned-Bimota.
Alex, with four WorldSBK wins and an impressive tally of 50 podiums, helped Sam adapt faster to the demands of WorldSBK, creating a unique dynamic that extends beyond sibling rivalry.
“I tell you what, it’s a lot better this year because last year he beat me every week, so it was s***,”
Sam joked. He added seriously,
“Me and him have a unique relationship. I think everyone who has brothers and sisters knows that, but being twins, we’ve spent all of our lives together until we were 16-17, we were never apart. Same hobbies, same interests, same job, in the end, we’re very similar people, so it’s not often you find that in racing. We’ve never argued in 35 years, so we get along well. When I see him on track, of course, I want to beat him and he wants to beat me. Naturally, I’ll probably give him a bit more respect on certain corners and overtakes as he does to me, but it’s a privilege, honestly.”
Competing Together Despite Different Paths in WorldSBK
The Lowes twins continue to demonstrate solid performances from the front half of the WorldSBK field, each achieving individual highlights since Sam’s move into Superbike racing. While Alex narrowly defeated Sam in their 2024 head-to-head, an injury at the end of 2025 slowed Sam’s momentum, leaving Alex with a 2-0 lead in their recent seasons of direct rivalry. The brothers aim to reach the rare feat of sharing the WorldSBK podium, a milestone made more attainable by recent championship shifts, including the departure of top rider Toprak Razgatlioglu to MotoGP, which opens the field to new challengers.
“It’s something that we’re really proud of, the fact that we’re both in WorldSBK, not at the front but near the front, podiums and top fives. Many times we’ve been third and fourth, so it’s something that we should be proud of. I think that, definitely, in the years going forward, we can look back and do it. But our main goal now is to get on the podium together. I’ve definitely used him a lot in this adaptation. He’s been here a long time; 2014 was his first year in WorldSBK so he’s done a lot of races. He’s got a lot of experience with the tyres, the bike, the class, so I’ve definitely leaned on him a lot the last two years to gain that information and ride together. This year I’ve been a little bit more competitive than last year. We’ve been able to work together in some sessions, obviously I don’t have a team-mate because MarcVDS for now is a one rider team, so sometimes it’s been good to get a little cheeky tow now and then.”
Growing British Presence in WorldSBK and Newcomer Jake Dixon
Britain continues to build a strong presence in WorldSBK, currently fielding four full-time riders—the second-most after Italy’s nine—highlighting the country’s longstanding affinity with Superbike racing. The 2026 season will see the addition of Jake Dixon, a six-time Moto2 race winner, who signed a multi-year contract with the factory Honda team. Dixon’s rivalry with Sam Lowes dates back to their time in Moto2, and Lowes has expressed support for the newcomer as he joins the WorldSBK fray.
“Of course we’ve spoken about it,”
Lowes remarked.
“Jake’s ridden Superbikes in the past. We’ll speak a bit. In the end, I’m more of an open book than a lot of riders, just talking about it doesn’t mean they can do it. If he asks me about something, then I’ll tell him. Obviously, nothing like with Alex, I won’t be riding around with him or in sessions because it’s different, isn’t it? But Jake’s sound. He’s obviously come with Honda, and it’s hard to know with Honda, they change a lot. They could come out next year and be amazing, or it could be like now, so I wish him the best. It’s nice to have another Brit in the paddock. The good thing with Jake is he’s ridden Superbikes before, so he’ll have a bit more knowledge.”
British Talent Faces Steep Challenges in MotoGP Ladder
With Dixon entering WorldSBK, British representation in Moto2 has effectively disappeared for the first time since the class began in 2010. This vacancy highlights a broader decline in British participation within MotoGP since the pandemic, affecting both riders and fan engagement. Attendance at major British venues like Silverstone has dropped annually since 2022, and no British rider has won a MotoGP race since Cal Crutchlow’s triumph at the 2018 Argentine Grand Prix. The country has been without a full-time MotoGP rider since Crutchlow’s retirement at the end of 2020.
New British prospects will compete mainly in Moto3, with Scott Ogden and Eddie O’Shea leading the charge in 2026. Despite early promise, it is expected to take several years before a British rider emerges capable of competing full-time in MotoGP again, according to Lowes.
“It’s sad. I was lucky, honestly, when I went. So I went from WorldSSP across like [Adrian] Huertas did this year, and it was tough with the bikes and that, but I was lucky I did quite well. I finished sixth or something in my first race, which is acceptable, no? But the problem now is that there’s no one willing to take a chance on a Brit, like a good team. I went with a good team, so that’s half the battle. Now the Brits, I’m not saying are not getting opportunities because I know [there’s] Dorna and Laverty, there’s a lot of people doing a lot for British riders and that’s great. But they get a year, half a year and it’s not enough. If the Brits got more of a chance, at least two years, get the second year, because the second year is so much easier than the first year, because some of those guys don’t know the tracks. So it is sad and it’s hard to see in the next few years how it’s going to change so much.”
“What’s sad at the minute is that there’s no one in Moto2, now Jake’s out, so f***. It’s miles away for somebody to get to MotoGP. Because somebody’s got to get through Moto3. We’ve got Casey O’Gorman [riding under the Irish flag], he’s a good rider, but now he’s going into Moto3, a couple of years in Moto2, so we’re years off someone going there so that’s sad.”
Economic Barriers and Career Decisions Affect British Riders’ Trajectories
Lowes has also pointed out the financial challenges that hinder many British riders hoping to advance into MotoGP’s highly competitive and expensive environment. Riders often must bring substantial sponsorship packages to secure seats in Moto2 and Moto3 teams. Consequently, if a rival presents a more lucrative financial offer, British hopefuls could be denied opportunities despite their talent. Additionally, many find the British Superbike Championship and WorldSBK more financially secure due to guaranteed salaries and contractual stability, incentivizing them to remain in these series rather than risk uncertain MotoGP careers.
“I think it’s exactly that,”
Lowes acknowledged.
“I think the top guys that are talented enough and in the right moment to come across and go [to MotoGP] and suffer for a couple of years to make it also have contracts here or in BSB waved [at them] where they’re earning good money… rather than going to risk a bit for a couple of years and then coming here. There’s always a way isn’t there, I hope they can find a way. It’s got to be the young kids and the teenagers now that we look at to try and get them a way through. We have to give them a consistent chance and not just a small opportunity.”
Lowes Sets Ambitious Targets for 2026 WorldSBK Season
Despite the ongoing challenges facing British riders in grand prix racing, Sam Lowes remains firmly committed to his WorldSBK campaign. Following notable improvement in 2025, Lowes is optimistic about making further progress in his third season. He aims to transition from consistent podium contention to race victories and a top-three finish in the championship.
“I’d like to be sitting here telling you about the few races that I’ve won and fighting for top three in the championship and making a step up for 2025. I think yes [it’s obtainable], I think that some rules, especially in the last races [of the season], have gone against the satellite Ducatis so I hope we can fix that a bit for next season.”
The Evolving Competitive Landscape After Razgatlioglu’s Exit
The 2026 WorldSBK season faces fresh dynamics with the exit of three-time world champion Toprak Razgatlioglu, who is moving up to MotoGP. This departure opens the door for new contenders to challenge for the title, with riders like Nicolo Bulega, who has twice been runner-up, slated to take center stage. Lowes expects a highly competitive season enriched by additions such as Miguel Oliveira and Danilo Petrucci, slated to join BMW, and Iker Lecuona on Ducati machines.
“I know the riders I’m riding against. I know what I’ve achieved in my career now, what I achieved this year with the front rows that shows that the speed is already there this year. There’s no reason why we can’t make that little step and be fighting for it. I know that Toprak leaving is sad for the championship, but [Miguel] Oliveira is coming in, [Danilo] Petrucci is on the BMW so they’ve got a great lineup, I think [Iker] Lecuona on the Ducati as well. I think it can be a great year but we’ll be sitting here talking about some race wins and being top three in the world, and having lots of fun.”
