Pata Yamaha’s Alex Lowes is aiming for podiums ahead of his home WorldSBK round at Donington Park and development is key for the rider as he is hoping for some new parts for his YZF-R1 at a test in Misano.

The Derby-based rider is off to Italy after the British round, and he can’t wait to compete in front of his loyal fans. Lowes missed out on competing on the world stage last year at his home round, due to injury but he will have his chance again this weekend.

Lowes is fifth in the overall championship standings, but knows he will have to fight hard to beat the green and red bikes belonging to Tom Sykes, Jonathan Rea and Ducati’s Chaz Davies. But the Yamaha rider is up for the challenge and confident that with the development programme in place with Yamaha he will be a ‘force to be reckoned with’.

“I can’t wait for this weekend and its very much a home track and I am looking forward to the weekend. Last year I didn’t get the opportunity because of injury now I can’t wait. I don’t feel the pressure too much I put enough pressure on myself anyway, I love being close to home and being close to the British fans,” said Lowes, speaking to bikesportnews.com at London’s Sports Bar and Grill.

“The season has been quite consistent, I am fifth in the championship and I feel like I am riding the bike well and I enjoy riding the bike and optimistic for the weekend and it’s a track I really enjoy. There are a couple of things I would like to improve like everyone could - we need to be a bit more comfortable going into the corners and improve the acceleration a bit between my style, the bike and electronics and we need to keep working hard.

“We have a test after Donington in Misano and there might be some new parts and I am optimistic we can make it on to the podium. I need to go a bit faster. I believe in the Yamaha project and it has taken a bit longer than we might have hoped, but I think we can get there and be a force to be reckoned with.”