Sam Lowes Suffers Wrist Fracture in Phillip Island Race 2 Crash

WorldSBK, Sportrik Media - Marc VDS Ducati rider Sam Lowes sustained multiple injuries following a crash during Race 2 of the 2026 Australian World Superbike round at Phillip Island.

Lowes was running fourth in wet conditions when he crashed at Turn 3 on lap eight. The incident marked the second major fall at the same corner over the weekend, after Xavi Vierge went down there in Race 1.

Vierge was declared fit after medical checks and returned to action on Sunday, although he later crashed again in Race 2 at Turn 2 without serious injury. Lowes, however, required further assessment after his fall and was transported to the medical centre.

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Medical examinations confirmed the British rider suffered a right-hand contusion, a left ankle contusion, and a fractured left wrist. The wrist injury is expected to rule him out of the upcoming WorldSBK test at Portimao on 9–10 March and potentially the Portuguese round scheduled for 27–29 March.

Lowes concluded the Phillip Island weekend ninth in the championship standings with 16 points. His brother, Alex Lowes, also crashed in Race 2 at Turn 1 but escaped without injury.

2026 WorldSBK rookie Mattia Rato crashed at Turn 4 on the opening lap and was diagnosed with a right shoulder contusion after undergoing medical checks.

The incidents in challenging wet conditions at Phillip Island have immediate implications for rider availability ahead of the next round in Portimao.