Anvil Hire TAG Yamaha’s Josh Brookes will start the opening MCE British Superbike race of the year on the front row, and the former BSB champ has hailed his third place start on the grid as ‘important’.
Brookes has been away from the series for a year and was competing in the World Superbike championship in 2016, but it looks like he has never been away as he is now back on the R1 and appears to be as competitive as ever. Qualifying was cancelled today due to track contamination after an earlier crash during the Ducati TriOptions.
The Australian put down a 1’29.491 during yesterday’s dry second free practice session, but he has also been competitive in the wet. During this morning’s rainy final timed session Brookes went P2, with a 1’46.079 to prove that he is unfazed by wet or dry conditions on the Yamaha.
“It has been a good return to the season, and I am looking forward to the races. Being on the front row is particularly important,” said Brookes, from the Donington track.
“Really the transition of me being back into the team and getting used to the bike and getting the setup have gone quite good, for me to be in the top bunch of riders in every session.
“I am pleased that we have had a good start to the championship, and hopefully this carries on into the races tomorrow.”
