Phillip Island represented a character-building start to Randy de Puniet’s WorldSBK career, including one of the biggest crashes of his career in pre-race testing. Thankfully, the Voltcom Crescent Suzuki rider was able to race and went on to score his first World Championship points as he adapted to a completely new environment.

“It is quieter and more like a family,” de Puniet tells WorldSBK.com of his new paddock setting. “I just need to find my place here, but I am feeling good in the team and that is the most important thing. Everything is different but it is a strong championship and you have strong riders. It’s not a game.”

In 2015 de Puniet shares the grid with some fellow faces from the world of MotoGP, as the likes of Nico Terol and Jordi Torres have also switched paddocks.

“I have never ridden a bike like this before, so I’m starting from zero,” he continues. “The good thing is I know a lot of the tracks. The level is high, so if MotoGP or Moto2 riders come here it is good. I really hope to do well. I need time to adapt my style, but I’m ready to fight and that is the most important thing.”

De Puniet is joined in the Voltcom Crescent Suzuki garage by Alex Lowes, with the 2013 British Superbike champion now into his second season on the world scene.