Lowes: I'm sure I'll be on the pace

Samsung Honda's Alex Lowes is 'as happy as I can be' with his CBR1000RR Fireblade after limited testing at the official MCE British Superbike test due to unseasonal weather.

Lowes, who finished as last year's top Honda rider in fourth position, is regarded as one of the main contenders for the title this year after establishing himself as a force to be reckoned in 2012.

The Samsung Honda team tested at Cadwell Park before the official BSB tests at Donington, Snetterton and Brands Hatch and Lowes is satisfied with the programme undertaken as he gears up for the opening championship round at Brands on April 7.

"Testing has gone really well up to now. We were at Cadwell at the beginning of the month and got in some laps which enabled me to familiarise myself with the Samsung Honda Fireblade," he said.

"Donington was the first of the official British Superbike tests. The weather was cold but it was dry and sunny, so we managed a decent amount of laps and the bike felt pretty good.

"It was frustrating at Brands and the first day of the Snetterton test because the bad weather has meant we haven't been out at all, but I'm as happy as I can be with the bike.

"We obviously haven't done as much as we'd have liked in terms of set up and development, but it's not just us, there are a few people in the same position," added Lowes.

"The second day at Snetterton has been mega because we actually got to ride and Snetterton is a track I enjoy.

"Unfortunately we stopped the session early because the weather turned cold and it got to the point where we couldn't learn a lot."

Lowes still managed to complete 30 laps at Snetterton before the bad weather bid hard and although he would have preferred additional time on the Samsung Honda, the Lincoln rider is 'already feeling quick'.

"It's a shame we didn't get a full day's riding, but in the morning we got 30 laps in and everything felt good.

"I feel really happy with the bike and the team," he said.

"I'm looking forward to the first race of the season. To be honest, you can test as much as you want but racing is racing and I'm already feeling quick.

"I've already been doing good times so I'm pretty sure I'll be on the pace."