Samsung Honda rider Alex Lowes got off to a flying start at the first MCE British Superbike practice sessions of the weekend at Thruxton today.

The Derby rider topped the time tables in both the wet practice session this morning, and in the dry this afternoon. But just because the youngster has set the fastest times today, he knows he will have to push harder if he wants to achieve pole position in qualifying tomorrow.

"There are no points for today but it nice to get a good feeling on the bike in the wet and the dry, so what ever happens on the weekend we have got areas to work on. It is a track I really enjoy, and I had lots of fun today and hopefully I can continue this form over the weekend," said Lowes, speaking to bikesportnews.com at the track.

"We have got some areas on the bike that we are working on, particularly on the front of the bike from Brands and we are still working on them now, and it is work in progress, but we are getting there. Things are going well with the team, and we have all got a good relationship with the each other, and it is all going ok so far." aid Lowes, speaking to bikesportnews.com at the circuit.

Topping the time sheets has given Lowes the extra confidence he needs going into this weekend, but his eyes firmly remain on the price of getting two first place finishes at Thruxton on Sunday. "I have got more confidence because I am feeling good on the bike, and being first is always nice, but I would swap that for two first on Sunday any day."