Image: Supplied.

Challenging for a third-career Australian Superbike Championship crown remains the ultimate target of Mike Jones entering season 2022 upon switching from DesmoSport Ducati’s V4R to Yamaha Racing Team (YRT) and the YZF-R1M.

The Queenslander had previously indicated further seat time would be key in helping his Yamaha adaption, as much of his initial track time with YRT was hampered by wet weather.

However, following Phillip Island, a recent two-day test at Queensland Raceway allowed Jones to conduct numerous outings in dry conditions where the number 46 made great progress and left feeling confident for the season ahead.

“The adaption to the R1M is going really well,” Jones told CycleOnline. “The testing that we have done, some of it was hindered by the wet conditions, but the last test that we did at Queensland Raceway were two days of solid dry testing time and that was a really good opportunity for me to get comfortable on the bike.

“By the end of the two days left there with a lot of confidence with the bike. For me as a rider, going into the championship the goal is always to win, and ultimately for me I would want to win the Australian Superbike Championship this year.

“I feel that so far working with the team and particularly the guys on my side of the garage, with my crew chief Dylan, they’ve got a really good understanding of the motorcycle and I’m confident they are able to give me what it is that I need and that’s evident for me in such a short period of time. I’m feeling confident for this season.”

Jones will begin the assault for ASBK title number three this weekend when the Mi-Bike Australian Superbike Championship commences at Phillip Island between 25-27 March.