Speed Up Racing's British rider Sam Lowes talks to motogp.com ahead of the 2015 Moto2™ season opener in Qatar on 29 March.

Lowes will be writing a blog for motogp.com throughout the season, providing us with exclusive behind-the-scenes updates as he competes for the Moto2™ title with his Speed Up Racing Team. We caught up with Lowes after the recent test in Jerez for a quick Q&A:

First up - how has your off season been?

"Last year I learnt a lot and was able to understand what is needed more in Moto2™. I have been training hard all through the winter, and compared to last year when I was injured, I feel I have been able make a good step in my fitness and I feel in a very good place. I made some small changes behind the scenes, but mainly I’ve just been working harder than ever!"

The final preseason test in Jerez has just finished, with the conditions not exactly ideal, what did you manage to take from it?

"Yes conditions weren't great but they were the same for everyone. In the rain I feel strong, and if it a is wet race it's different every time, so I didn't want to risk too many laps in rain this close to Qatar. But overall the testing has been mega and from the very first day of the season I have felt completely different to last season. The team have worked a lot and the bike is a big step up from last season. I have a lot more feeling on the bike, which allows me to have more confidence and be faster in the end. I'm happy again on the bike and this is very important."

You are in your second year in the Moto2™ championship, and your second year with your Speed Up team, how does this season feel different to you?

"I know what to expect a lot more and now I know all of the circuits. Last year wasn't great for me but still there were good points. But I know how I performed last season and I know am capable of a lot more as I struggled a lot to find the good feeling with the bike, but now I feel I have achieved that, so I know we can be a lot better.

"I know all of the circuits and also feel a lot happier inside my team, this is a big season for me I need to prove what I can do and that I am capable of running at front in this paddock. Which is a big step but I'm learning and improving all the time and know I can do it."

The first round at Qatar is just a week away, how prepared do you feel?

"I feel ready I have great feeling and good confidence in myself and the bike. We have only had 4 good days of testing on the bike, but Qatar is a race and we need to make it happen"

As this is your second season in Moto2™, do you feel under more pressure to perform?

"I always put pressure on myself. Last season was always going to be tough as I had to learn so much. Now I'm in a better place with a better bike so there should be more pressure as I need to be at the front. I'm happy knowing what I need to do. It's a very very strong class but I will try my best."

Finally, do you feel you can challenge for the Moto2™ title?

"Yes I do feel like I can. I need to!"