Sam Lowes has stunned the field at Assen by claiming his first Superpole Qualifying victory in WorldSBK, leading a fiercely competitive Ducati-dominated front row.
Independent Ducati rider Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) put in a surprise fastest lap in dry and sunny conditions at Assen to secure his first Superpole Qualifying win since he joined the class in 2024.
He was 0.164 seconds faster than expected top rider Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati). The Italian rider had a very public temper tantrum when he was balked by another rider while on his way to set a faster lap than the one that eventually gave him second place.
The prospect of another Ducati v BMW battle was enhanced by the appearance of Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) on the front row for Race One, in third place.
Axel Bassani (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) reproduced his strong form from day one to go fourth in Superpole Qualifying. Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) and top Yamaha rider Andrea Locatelli (Pata Maxus Yamaha) completed row two.
Independent rider Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team Ducati) was seventh fastest, just over half a second slower than Sam Lowes.
Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) placed eighth, Alex Lowes (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) ninth and the top ten was completed by late session faller, Andrea Iannone (Team Pata GoEleven Ducati).
Iker Lecuona (Honda HRC) was the top Honda rider, in 14th place.
