Yakhnich Yamaha’s Sam Lowes narrowly missed out on a World Supersport podium in yesterday’s race in Imola. After a poor re-start because of a red flag the Lincolnshire lad found himself in sixth place, but a mistake while trying to overtake MAHI Racing’s Fabien Foret meant he missed a turn and found himself in tenth. But the rider fought back to second, overtaking team-mate Vladimir Leonov in the process, and Lowes is happy to have made it on to the podium at all.

The youngster even set a new lap record at the Italian track, of 1'51. 607 to beat the previous best lap set by Broc Parkes last year, but it was a tough race as the rider had to battle for important points to extend his lead at the top of the championship table.

Rival MAHI Racing’s Kenan Sofuoglu eventually won the race, and in doing so prevented Lowes from taking that all important fifth consecutive win, but the Brit is happy with his performance.

“I felt the clutch slip off the line so went backwards and then ran across the grass trying to pass Foret. To avoid a penalty, I let a few people back past and then set off. I was tough trying to get through but I got second,” said Lowes.

Get the new issue of Bikesport News, on sale Thursday, to read Lowes' plan for the future