Lowndes went within a whisker of winning his fourth championship, and first since 1999, last season and he heads to Winton this weekend as fast as ever and leading the pack. He is looking to capitalise on the most open championship in many years with seven different winners from the first eight races by three different manufacturers.

“We’ve been trying be consistent. Even if we can’t make the podium, we have looked to maximise every result to keep picking up points,” he said.

“We analysed last year and move on. In hindsight both the team and I could have done a better job.

“The key is to make sure we don’t carry that into the next year and fix those elements.

“We’ve got belief that we can win races and championships it’s just a matter of getting all those elements right.

“We knew we had to be at least in the top three coming into Winton.”

Lowndes’ 888 teammate Jamie Whincup is keen for a strong showing at the Winton track after relinquishing his four-year hold on the championship to long-time rival Mark Winterbottom last season.

“We’ve been pushing extremely hard since 2006 and had a fantastic run, battling for the championship from 2007 onward and last year we couldn’t quite get there,” he said.

“To win any race, let alone a championship, in this game requires 100 per cent dedication.

“What I learnt last year is that it’s very difficult to have that, 100 per cent commitment and dedication, 100 per cent not 90 or 95 – 100 per cent for eight years straight.”