Speculation concerning the future of Josh Brookes ran riot at Thruxton following another disappointing display by the Bennetts British Superbike Champio.

Three victories  by fellow Aussie Jason O’Halloran on the McAMS Yamaha gave him a clear lead in the championship and made Brookes', who could only make 17th, 14th and 16th, chances of retaining it ever more distant for the PBM Vision Track Ducati team.

And prospects were not helped by team-mate and earlier championship leader Christian Iddon being wiped out by Lee Jackson in race two and losing the lead.

Post-race television interviews did not assist the situation. Brookes, as ever, was putting on a brave face while admitting that changes made were not working but discounting the story that he was still suffering from injuries from riding a motocross bike.

TV pundit and former champion under the PBM banner Shane Byrne put it down to a lack of confidence but suggested that it was likely to  be the end of the road for what had been a very successful partnership.

While admitting that he had not been close enough to to the situation, team owner Paul Bird told bikesportnews.com that as far as he was concerned Brookes would continue to be an important part of the team for the rest of this year and maybe next.

“We had a heart to heart on Sunday evening and there will be changes in time for the next meeting at Donington. Josh Brookes will not be leaving this team, I don’t want him to and I don’t think he does," said Bird.

"We talked about changing things, it was an open and I think positive conversation.”