ALEX Lowes believes lesson learned in his rookie World Superbike season will stand him in good stead for genuine title challenge in 2015.
The Derby-based rider has signed to ride for the Voltcom Crescent Suzuki squad for a second year and says he will go into the next campaign with a much better knowledge of both the machine and the circuits.
The 22-year-old, who won the British Superbike crown in 2013, is already looking forward to testing in Spain later this month and has his sights firmly set on the opening round at Phillip Island in Australia.
He said: "It's been a tough season and I had a lot to learn coming from the BSB series in England.
"Overall I have enjoyed it a lot and, after agreeing to stay with Suzuki for WSBK 2015, I am very excited knowing I am a lot better-prepared going into year two."
"Now the season is over, I am eagerly awaiting the tests we have on next year's bike, which are scheduled to start at the end of the month in Jerez.
"We have quite a lot to try with the bike as well as some things I am keen to work on with my riding style.
"After this, I am heading over to Australia to stay with my friend Freddie Sheene for some training, riding Flat Track and generally chilling out, so I can come back ready for hard work and a big year in 2015.
"A great thing about the world championship is that we start the season in February so I don't have too long to wait before racing again.
"Before then, however, I will be working hard to ensure I improve a lot in 2015,"
Lowes, the twin brother of Moto2 rider Sam, ended the year 11th in the points standings, had a difficult start to the season, having gone well in testing.
"After a really strong pre-season testing programme I was full of confidence heading out to Australia for round one.
"However, I crashed in the final free practice session at Phillip Island and fractured my tibia and ankle, which set me back quite a bit early in the season.
"I came back with two podium finishes – a second place at Assen and a third in my home race at Donington Park – both tracks I knew previously.
"Since then it's been a pretty difficult run with a far too many mistakes on my part and a lot to learn, with the combination of circuits and the electronics, which have both been new to me this year.
"The final round of the year under the floodlights in Doha was a mega experience; the circuit was great and riding at night was lots of fun – I felt like an AMA Supercross racer!"
The calendar for next year's series has now been finalised, with a new venue at Chang in Thailand added to the 14-race list.
The series stars on February 22 in Australia and again finishes under the floodlights in Qatar in October.
The Donington Park round is scheduled for the weekend of May
22-24.
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