Kiyonari and Lowes on track at Cadwell Park

Samsung Honda riders Ryuichi Kiyonari and Alex Lowes have kicked off their pre-season testing schedule at Cadwell Park.

Kiyonari returns to the British Superbike Championship this season as he bids to win a record fourth BSB crown, while Lowes is aiming to build on an impressive season in 2012 that saw him finish as the top Honda rider.

Japanese favourite Kiyonari said: "I am very happy to be back; it was a very good day working with the Samsung Honda team again, especially Adrian (Gorst).

"I like Cadwell Park, because I think it is like my home circuit and today we made a good start; tomorrow we can keep improving.

"I didn't want to stop once I had started now that I am back on the Superbike," he told the British Superbike website.

"I was getting comfortable again on the Superbike after racing a 600 last year - I am really happy to be back."

Lowes, who was making his debut with the team, admitted he was feeling nervous before heading out onto the track on Monday for the first day of the shakedown.

"I haven't ridden since Brands Hatch so to get out and have a blast around Cadwell Park was mega.

"I was a bit nervous at the start of the day, but it didn't last long and we have been working really well together as a team," said Lowes.

"I ended the first day feeling comfortable and I felt at home on the bike a lot quicker than I expected."

Jason O'Halloran is also testing with the team at Cadwell on the CBR6000RR Supersport machine.