Image: Supplied.

Alex Lowes has praised his Yamaha Factory Racing teammates Michael van der Mark and Katsuyuki Nakasuga for their efforts in scoring runner-up honours at the 2019 Coca-Cola Suzuka 8 Hours in Japan.

The squad was initially classified as the victors of the event after Suzuki Endurance Racing Team crashed out in the closing minutes, followed by Kawasaki Racing Team falling due to an oil spill from the accident after the red-flag was flown.

However, in accordance with the rule stating that in case the race is stopped when the red-flag is waved, the standings reflect positions on the previous lap, granting KRT the win while demoting Yamaha Factory Racing Team to second in the classification.

“I love the Suzuka 8 Hours and to get the opportunity to ride with Michael rather than against him is nice, as he’s a tough opponent to beat normally,” Lowes explained. I always enjoy riding with Nakasuga-san too, as we are friends as well as teammates.

“So this is always a special race for me and today we all did our best. We pushed right up until the end, we never gave up chasing and it was a lot of fun. Thanks to my teammates, and to everyone in the team, for all the hard work they put in to chasing success here in Suzuka.”

Lowes will now resume his WorldSBK duties when the championship returns to action on 6-8 August at Portimao in Portugal.