Yamaha World Superbike rookie Ben Spies reckons that after the three-day test at Portugal's Portimao track he is confident of winning in his rookie season.

Despite changeable weather and not wanting to push too hard in the rain-affected Superpole simulation, the reigning AMA Champion says he can take to the top step of the podium.

"It was good to be here and get more time on the bike and work with the team, the rain was a bit dodgy so it’s been frustrating to get some decent track time." said the American.

"In the first of the new format Superpole test sessions on the last day we were quickest, unfortunately for the second session it rained and I didn’t want to do anything silly so didn’t push too hard. We worked on some settings over the test and got down to some pretty quick times.

"We got to try a few things with the bike and made a big step up, taking half a second a lap off, but the weather didn’t allow us to get more. The bikes got good straight line speed now and we’re continually improving.

"I’m very confident we’ve got what it takes to win. The team have been great, we’re working really well together. I’m looking forward to getting to Australia and getting stuck in again.”