BREAKING: Sam Lowes joins WorldSBK with Marc VDS in 2024

Sam Lowes will move to WorldSBK in 2024, racing with Marc VDS onboard a Ducati.

Sam Lowes will make the switch to the WorldSBK paddock in 2024, continuing his relationship with the Marc VDS. He will end his Moto2 career at the end of 2023, returning to the paddock for the first time since 2013.

Marc VDS will also join the WorldSBK grid, where they hope to repeat the success which they have experienced in Grand Prix. They will run a two-bike team in WorldSBK, using the Ducati Panigale V4 R.

The Marc VDS team will continue its Moto2 program in the 2024 season and beyond, hoping to take the title again. Marc VDS has had a huge presence in Moto2, taking over 100 podiums and three titles. The team also lead the 2023 Moto2 World Championship, with Italian Tony Arbolino.

Sam Lowes and Marc VDS have had a great relationship which began in the 2020 Moto2 season. Together they have won seven races, 15 podiums, and 12 pole positions in the extremely competitive class. Lowes is currently in eighth position in the 2023 Moto World Championship.

Sam Lowes said: “I have a lot to learn with the new category including the bike, the tyres, and some new tracks. But I am very motivated and excited for this opportunity. I am very open-minded and ready to adapt and learn what I need to be competitive in WorldSBK.”

“I always had a goal to race in World Superbike and after winning the World Supersport title in 2013 it was a normal step. But I chose to try the Grand Prix paddock. I’m happy and proud that I’ve had such a good GP career, and I’ve enjoyed it a lot. But I feel now it’s a great time to move across to WorldSBK to try a different machine and learn how to ride a superbike. I also believe in myself and know I can achieve good things.”

Marc van der Straten, Team Owner added: “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. I’m also very proud to start this new adventure with Ducati, which is undoubtedly the bike to be on in WorldSBK.

“This opportunity for expansion comes at the perfect time. After 14 years in MotoGP, where the Marc VDS Racing Team has shown great potential, we are ready to face a new challenge. We have competed in Moto3, Moto2, MotoGP and MotoE and won three titles. And our commitment to Moto2 remains as strong as ever and I look forward to enjoying a lot more success in the future in a class where our journey on two wheels started.

“Moto2 has been the platform for us to gain a wealth of experience to continue growing and replicate our achievements in another world-class championship like WorldSBK. As this is a long-term project, we’ll be aiming to adapt quickly, so that we can get to the front of the pack as quickly as possible.

“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, and who shares our team’s values and know-how. Finally, counting on Ducati’s experience and success completes a package that has everything to be perfect and exciting!

“I hope the whole Marc VDS family will be as happy as I am and that, as always, we can count on their support!”

Image credit: motogp.com