The Marc VDS Racing Team has officially announced its entry into the 2024 World Superbike Championship, marking a significant milestone for both the team and rider Sam Lowes. Known for their formidable presence in the Moto2 series, Marc VDS is eager to extend its legacy into the realm of superbike racing with the powerful Ducati Panigale V4 R.
"We are very pleased to welcome the Marc VDS Racing Team in the Ducati family for WorldSBK 2024!" said Paolo Ciabatti, Ducati Corse Sporting Director. He underscored the significance of this partnership, stating that Marc VDS is one of the most esteemed racing structures in Moto2, having secured three world titles. His confidence in the team is clear: "Their participation in WorldSBK next year will surely add more value to the whole championship."
This collaboration stems from a successful relationship established in the 2020 Moto2 World Championship. Throughout this journey, the 32-year-old Lowes has amassed an impressive seven wins, 15 podium finishes, and 12 poles while racing in the team's livery.
Upon this transition, Marc van der Straten, the Team Owner, expressed enthusiasm about the future. "I’m delighted and ready to begin this new adventure in the World Superbike Championship. And it gives me even more pleasure to do it with our great rider, Sam Lowes," he affirmed. Van der Straten elaborated on the strategic timing of this expansion: "After 14 years in MotoGP, where the Marc VDS Racing Team has shown great potential, we are ready to face a new challenge."
Van der Straten's confidence extends to the team’s ability to replicate its Moto2 successes while embarking on this new venture. "We have competed in Moto3, Moto2, MotoGP, and MotoE, winning three titles. Our commitment to Moto2 remains as strong as ever," he added. The long-term vision includes a smooth transition into WorldSBK while continuing to produce results in Moto2, emphasizing adaptability within this new challenge.
Currently, the Marc VDS Racing Team is in the lead of this year’s Moto2 title chase, strongly positioned with rider Tony Arbolino. Van der Straten’s pride in Lowes as a rider is apparent as he states, "It's also a source of pride to be taking this step with Sam Lowes, a great rider who has shown what he’s capable of in Moto2."
Lowes, reflecting on his career trajectory, expressed excitement about returning to the Superbike scene. "I always had a goal to race in World Superbike and after winning the World Supersport title in 2013, it was a normal step to pursue this opportunity," he remarked. With the upcoming races at Silverstone on the horizon, the rider is focused on making the most of his new endeavor.
The overarching ambition is to bring the same level of success that the team achieved in Moto2 to their new WorldSBK initiative. Their remarkable history includes over 100 podium finishes alongside three world championships in the Moto2 category since its inception in 2010.
In summary, the Marc VDS Racing Team's official entry into the WorldSBK with Sam Lowes is a strategic move aimed at building upon their established success. With a rich history in Moto2 and the backing of Ducati, both Lowes and Marc VDS stand poised to make their mark in the world of superbike racing as they embark on this exciting new chapter.
