Bimota optimistic of WorldSBK podium challenge at “old school” Assen

Alex Lowes is hoping for a podium challenge from Bimota at the Dutch WorldSBK on 17–19 March at a circuit where he feels his speed hasn’t always been appropriately rewarded.

Assen saw Lowes claim his first World Superbike podium back in 2014, but he has never won there despite having now raced there 11 times in the production derivative series.

He did win there in BSB, though, back in 2013, in a race weekend that included a controversial incident with title rival Shane Byrne at the Ramshoek – the two made contact as Lowes tried to pass on the inside, and Byrne crashed as a result.

Lowes went on to win the BSB title that year, of course, and 12-and-a-half years later he’s hoping to get back on the Assen podium, which he last did in the 2024 Superpole Race.

“I am looking forward to Assen, which is a fantastic event,” said Alex Lowes.

“It is a different kind of track to Portimao. You need the bike to really turn well under power, especially in the middle section of the lap. 

“It needs that ‘old school’ get off the brakes and let the bike flow approach and it is always a track that I have really enjoyed. 

“I feel like I have always been fast in Assen but probably never got the results that the speed has shown. Hopefully, this weekend we can fight for the podium. 

“That is the target – to be back on the podium. 

“I want to work hard with all the guys in the team, enjoy it and try to get the best results possible. I am excited to get there and get started.”

Bassani: “Every race weekend we learn something more”

Lowes’ teammate, Axel Bassani, is also optimistic about the Dutch Round, despite falling down in the order in Portugal compared to his two podium finishes in Australia.

The Italian also highlighted the continuous learning he is doing with his new crew chief Uri Pallares who joined from Yamaha over the winter, replacing Marcel Duinker.

“Assen can be a good track for us, and last year the sensation was good,” Bassani said.

“This year I think we will arrive a little bit more prepared. We know the bike a little bit better and the first two rounds went quite well. 

“We have to keep calm and continue to work, especially for me with my team and my new crew chief. Every race weekend we learn something more. 

“We have to be positive and I am also happy to go to race on a track like Assen, that I like a lot. It is a really fast track, with a lot of quick corners. 

“Only the first part is quite small, but the rest of it is really fun. We will try to give our maximum and have the best weekend we can.”