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The WorldSBK season opened with a bang in Australia two weeks ago. With great racing and a pack of riders scrapping for the win in both races, it was a tremendous spectacle for fans, and showcased everything great about the championship.

Having seen years of green and red domination, the opening round saw Yamaha back in the thick of things - and with Aprilia sure to improve in the coming races it's clear just how strong the series could be in 2017. The paddock has now upped sticks and moved on to Thailand for Round Two, and there is a lot of belief that we could see some similar drama unfold in Asia.

On face value Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team) and Chaz Davies (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) are still dominant, having finished one-two in both races in Australia, but the title challengers will know that this weekend they could face some tough competition once again. They will rightfully start almost every race this year as the favourites, having earned that right over the last two years; but the improved performances from the likes of Alex Lowes (Pata Yamaha Official WorldSBK Team) and Xavi Fores (BARNI Racing Team) in Australia will give heart to the rest of the field that they can really compete.

Phillip Island is always a track that promotes good racing and some surprising results, but at Chang International Circuit variety has been the spice of life. In the four races held at the track, a remarkable five different manufacturers have claimed a rostrum finish at the Thai venue. The new Race 2 grid system was somewhat negated at the opening round by the neccessity to conserve tyres, but Chang could be a different story and allow the front row of the grid a greater opportunity to open a gap to the runners, who are recovering from the third row.

Having talked about the new grid system throughout the winter, it was terrific to finally see it in operation. While it's easy to draw too many conclusions from the opening race, the system was positively received by riders. With Rea, Davies and Marco Melandri (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) all coming through the pack to finish on the podium in Race 2, it should be very exciting to consistently see the top riders have an opportunity to make moves in the early stages of races.

Indeed to see Melandri back at the sharp end of the field was hugely impressive. The Italian's talent has never been in question, but his desire and motivation have been issues in the past. When the former 250GP champion is on form and in the right frame of mind he is one of the top racers on the planet. Throughout the winter he looked to have settled in well at Ducati, and his opening weekend with Ducati proved he could be a dark horse this year.

With wins on 125, 250 and MotoGP machinery Phillip Island has always been kind to Melandri but a trip to a new circuit could mean that Thailand is the acid test for what to expect from the 34 year old this season.

While Rea, Davies and Melandri proved you could get through the field, Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Racing Team) will know that he has progress to make in Thailand. The Kawasaki rider was very vocal before the start of the season about the format changes, but after Australia he was more positive about what he needs to do in Race 2.

“The system is in place, the other guys showed that they were able to get through the field and I need to do that too, going forward.” The 2013 WorldSBK champion will likely get that opportunity on Sunday, having been strong at Chang last year.

There are a lot of variables still in the air on the eve of second round of the championship. Kawasaki and Ducati are still the frontrunners, but there are plenty of questions for the field this weekend. Can Lowes and Fores continue to fight at the front? Can Leon Camier bring MV Agusta closer to the podium? Can Aprilia find their feet in Thailand?

Buriram translates as “the city of happiness”, but who will be happiest at the end of this weekend?