Alex Lowes to replace Bradley Smith at Silverstone and Misano

Alex Lowes will stand in for the injured Bradley Smith for the next two MotoGP rounds, including this weekends British Grand Prix at Silverstone. 

Rumours started yesterday evening that Lowes was in line to replace Smith at Silverstone. This morning those rumours have been confirmed, with confirmation that Lowes will stand in for Smith at not only Silverstone but also the San Marino Grand Prix at Misano the following weekend.

Smith injured his right leg in an free practice crash, when hitting a coasting rider during last weekends Oschersleben World Endurance event – where he was hoping to help the YART team as they attempted to complete an endurance double after winning a second Suzuka eight hours. Whilst not breaking his femur, as had been initially fear trackside, Smith was hospitalised and continues to wait for further news from doctors as to the extent of his injuries. 

Lowes got his first taste of a MotoGP bike during the post race test in Brno last weekend. Lowes was gifted the opportunity to test the bike as a reward after helping Yamaha to that Suzuka triumph. Despite having to wait late in the day, Lowes impressed in his limited track time, lapping just two and a half seconds slower than Tech3’s full time rider Pol Espargaro during a 15 lap spell.

Unfortunately for Lowes, his testing time was cut short due to a small crash, in which he walked away unharmed. 

With question marks over how long Smith’s knee and leg will take to heal, Lowes will stand in for the Brit at not only the British Grand Prix, but also in Misano. It will leave Lowes with a busy few weeks with the German World Superbike round at the Lausitzring the week after the Misano MotoGP round. 

Massive thanks to @yamaharacingcom @Tech3Racing for the opportunity, very grateful, can't wait! Every riders dream to compete at his home GP

— Alex Lowes (@alexlowes22) August 29, 2016

Photos via Yamaha Racing