McAMS Yamaha’s Josh Brookes will focus on finding extra rear grip for his R1 when free practice for this year’s Bennetts British Superbike series kicks off on Saturday at Donington Park.
The Australian has stayed with the same manufacturer for 2018 but changed team and is now under contract to the factory-backed squad run by Grant Bunting and Steve Rodgers.
Brookes is well used to the R1, having taken the 2015 championship on one, so after pre-season at Cartagena, he is fully prepared for the season.
“I feel like we’re in a good place to be honest, of course a bit of extra track time in dry weather would have been ideal but think everyone is in the same boat,” said Brookes.
“Although it’s a new team, I feel confident in the bike as a base machine. The front end feels really good, the focus will be on trying some different options at the rear at Donington. But that is pretty much what I’m always looking for; a good setting to gain more grip, so we have plenty to try.
“The attitude from me and the team is that the series is long, of course we all try our best but ultimately the first round doesn’t decide the championship.”