Anvil TAG Yamaha’s Josh Brookes believes he has taken a significant step forward with the R1 at Snetterton’s MCE British Superbike round as he says he feels at one with it for the first time this year.

The Bringelly rider ended the day in sixth place but had his session cut short with a blown engine, so didn’t try for a time right at the end of free practice two.

Brookes has found some consistency with laptimes at the Norfolk track as the bike is now beginning to do what he expects of it.

“From the start of the year the bike has had some good elements and certain things felt right at certain times but I couldn’t make the gains in the same way I had done in 2015,” Brookes told BSN at the track.

“Certain areas of setup were in the right direction but we weren’t able to fully capitalise as the tyre would go away or the engine brake settings were too far out to get everything right, and there were other elements on the chassis side that were having an effect.

“Knockhill was a bit of a transitional period and a lot of things changed and now all those things are more in order, so were can now refine the setup to a particular track on a particular day, which is a more normal weekend process whereas before we have been trying to find something that feels right in warm-up.

“The second session today the bike felt more consistent. I felt more at ease and I was able to do consistent laps, so I feel like it is a significant step forward for me with the bike - it is the first time this year I have felt at one with it.

“Before, I knew the bike but it wasn’t doing what I expected of it. For me, I have been riding a bike I am familiar with but it hasn’t been acting in a way I wanted it to. If I hadn’t ridden it previously, I would be none the wiser and believe we didn’t have a setup but I know what it is capable of. I hoping this is a sign of some progress. We will have to change the engine tonight and have another go tomorrow.”