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For Lowes, already a British Supersport Champion, 2011 delivered him six podiums, a pole position and two fastest laps. Not bad for a 21-year-old rider who had to miss a race through injury and posted three no scores in total on his way to sixth overall.

We caught up with Lowes after he had had time to think about how his 2011 season had gone, and about his hopes for his second season of WSS racing under the PTR umbrella.

Q: Overall, what were your feelings about 2011?
A: I am happy with some of my results and I am happy with the speed we showed, but obviously as a racer you want to do better and always want to win. To be fair I knew that that would be difficult from the start. The main thing I questioned this year was how consistent I could be, and I learned lots of things against a stiff level of competition. I am happy with the way that I showed myself and I am happy that we were competitive in the majority of races, because we were usually there or thereabouts. The only disappointment is in making a few little mistakes I should not have made. I think it bodes well for next year and I want to take in everything I learned this year and hit the ground running in 2012. I needed this year, so I am happy with what I have learned.

Q: And what is the plan for 2012?
A: I have agreed to ride with PTR again, and we are just waiting to finalise a few things. I am looking forward to it. Next year I cannot say I am learning this and learning that, and I don't want to - next year I want to win. The team have been front-runners in WSS for a few years now and they deserve to win. I am putting everything into it. I have a new trainer and so my brother Alex, Leon Haslam and I all train together now. Now I am just looking forward to January and the start of testing.

Q: How much help did Leon Haslam give you in 2011? He was frequently helping you after practice sessions, yes?
A: Massive. We are good mates anyway and spend lot of time together, but I have a lot of respect for Leon and Ron, what they have achieved in racing and their knowledge about bikes. Leon puts in 110% on track and I like that. I have learned so much from him. He may only be 28 but he has so much experience and he has ridden in every class imaginable. He has been a big help and I am very grateful for that.