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Englishman Sam Lowes had a strong full-time introduction to the FIM Supersport World Championship in 2011 and despite not quite winning a race he is thought of as a potential champion in 2012 by many observers. Lowes, now 21-years-old, scored the first of six podiums in 12 races at Phillip Island last year. In fact, he was within a whisker of winning the race overall. So the obvious questions are how has his outlook changed after his first full year and what is possible on his Bogdanka PTR Honda this season?

Said Lowes, "Last year was mega but I went into the 2011 Phillip Island race very inexperienced in World Supersport and not knowing the circuit and stuff. I was a bit surprised myself how it went but I performed 100% all out and we managed to get close to the win. I arrive in Australia this time with a year's more experience and knowing what to expect so I can go to PI a little bit calmer, working at it a little bit more. The aim after going so close last year is to go there and win, and I really think that I am capable of that. I am going to Australia a lot better prepared than I was last year; I feel that I can go there right on the pace and fight for the victory. The team and I would probably be disappointed if we do not do that. The track there just suits my style and I loved it, really enjoyed it."

It is not just how Lowes has matured that is pepping him up as the season approaches rapidly, it is how many other things have changed in his line-up of rivals. "A lot of people have switched teams or brands this year but I am on the same bike and in the same team, so if anything this year I have got the least to learn compared to some of the other guys," said Lowes. "That will put me in the driving seat a little bit more. Obviously I am looking at coming to it from that side instead of being the one who needs to learn the most. That takes the pressure off a little bit in some ways, but puts it back on a bit in other ways."

In terms of realistic prospects to be overall champion in 2012, Lowes thinks 2012 will be different from 2011 again. "Potential champions... I would say that there are a lot of good guys there, but Kenan Sofuoglu and Sheridan Morais will be very, very strong, Broc on the Ten Kate bike will be very good, I think as a package. Especially regarding race distance, he will find a lot better situation than he did last year. I expect Broc to be strong. I think the pace will be a lot stronger this year and I know I can perform to a higher level, I know that maybe Kenan will and I expect Broc to, on the bike that he is on. I think it will be close racing and better. In terms of potential champions it will maybe be a little bit less but for racing wise, and maybe even speed, I think the class as a whole will probably be faster... I fully expect it to be a very hard championship, as we know it always is in World Supersport. I am looking forward to it and you do not want it to be easy, that is why it is called a world championship!"