Lowndes: 'Changes have freshened my approach'

The veteran and former series champion started the new season with a new engineer in Grant McPherson, following long-time partner in crime Jeromy Moore's departure for Porsche's World Endurance Championship programme at the end of 2014.

According to Lowndes, McPherson - who joined from Prodrive after Moore left - has brought refreshing new ideas to the team.

"Grant has come in with some really fresh ideas, and I think for us as a team that's a good thing - especially for me," Lowndes told Motorsport.com.

"He brings a whole new understanding and thinking about the car. Triple Eight, as a team, we've been hugely successful over the last 10 years, but you also get set in your ways. So Grant is bringing over some ideas that maybe we haven't looked at in the past.

I was a little bit worried for this year. I was with Jeromy for nine years, so it was always going to be hard to say goodbye.

Craig Lowndes

"For me, it's been refreshing. I like that mindset, so I'm really enthusiastic about this year. For me it's been a great change.

"I was a little bit worried for this year. I was with Jeromy for nine years, so it was always going to be hard to say goodbye. But he's kicking goals in Europe with Porsche, so I think it's been a win-win."

Perth-ect place for 100th win

After falling just short of racking up his 100th series win in Tasmania, Lowndes is now eyeing the upcoming Barbagallo Raceway round in Perth as the perfect place for the milestone victory.

Lowndes already has a soft spot for the West Australian circuit, having won a record-breaking 91st race there in 2013 to overtake Mark Skaife as the most successful driver ever in terms of race wins.

'It would almost be fitting, to be honest; Perth was the circuit where I broke Skaife's record with 91, so it would be nice to have another milestone of 100 wins there," he said.

"It will be tough. The championship is very tight, the cars are very close, but if we can have a set-up and a car like we had in Tasmania, then it's very possible."