Milwaukee Yamaha’s Josh Brookes dropped a bombshell in the Brands Hatch paddock this afternoon, telling a packed crowd that he doesn’t think he will ride in the MCE British Superbike Championship next year.

Brookes believes he needs to move back on to the world stage as BSB was only meant to be a stepping stone but he says he has thoroughly enjoyed his time in the series.

“I feel like this should be my last season in British Superbikes, which puts even more pressure on my to get the results I have wanted for the last five years,” said Brookes, speaking at the Monster Energy Rig.

“In my heart, British Superbikes was always a stepping stone to where I wanted to get to. As much as I enjoy all the fans and the racing here, my desired goal is not to end my career here, I want to progress.

“I felt like I had taken a step back from World Superbikes when I first started here and it hasn’t been a step back, more a step to the side to get some stability in my racing with teams that capable of running at the front.”