Aussie Josh Brookes will make his Milwaukee Yamaha debut on Thursday at the start of a three-day test at Cartagena and reckons he can’t wait to get started with the YZF-R1.

The Bringelly man, who has spent the winter at home getting lost in the outback and probably causing some mayhem on a jet-ski, will join Tommy Bridewell and Ian Hutchinson for the shakedown evaluation in Spain.

"The first test is what I have been looking forward to and I can't wait to get started. The first time out on the Milwaukee Yamaha is an opportunity for me to get to know the bike and the team and start the process of learning all the new elements for this year,” said Brookes.

“I obviously want to be going out and setting competitive times and if we can be fastest then great, because everyone always has to aim to be at the front, but it isn't the most important thing on day one.

"I do tend to have a unique personality so it is good that we have the time at testing for the team to get to know me and I am excited about riding the Yamaha for the first time. I have always ridden bikes from different manufacturers so to me it has handlebars and two wheels and I want to grab hold of it and get on with the job now. I am going to let it come to me at the first test and then we can push on."

bikesportnews.com will be at Cartagena, so check back for exclusive stories and video from the test