Josh Brookes says he is hoping his experience and success in short circuit racing will prove invaluable as he prepares to tackle arguably the toughest event of its kind by competing in the Macau Grand Prix for the first time.

The Australian was named as part of FHO Racing’s three rider line-up for the short circuit-cum-road racing event, held on the notorious Guia Circuit that wends through the Sino-Portuguese city of Macau.

The event marks a homecoming for FHO Racing boss Faye Ho, the Macanese businesswoman having graduated from sponsoring riders to owning her own team since the last time international competitors were welcomed in Macau without COVID restrictions in 2019.

Teaming up with regular BSB team-mate Peter Hickman and legendary nine-time Macau GP winner Michael Rutter for his debut on the wall-lined circuit, Brookes admits he is unsure of what to expect when he hits the track for the first time ahead of the 18 November race.

“The Macau Grand Prix is going to be interesting, obviously I have a career of road racing with results at the North West and the Isle of Man TT, but Macau is different from those races, it’s more like a short circuit with walls, as opposed to a public road so to speak. 

“The real true road racing event is the Isle of Man TT, and the absolute pinnacle of racing extremes you know what you can achieve from a motorcycle is achieved in short circuits, so having never ridden at Macau before that’s where my head’s at. 

“I see it being more like a short circuit, let’s say a smoother more refined ground to ride on but obviously surrounded by walls. It’s a really different mindset to go to the event in, I can’t make too many predictions or have any ideas going forward because I’ve never been to the event, never watched the event or been there before, so I’m pleased to be able to be a part of the Macau Grand Prix. 

“It’s Faye’s hometown and it means a lot to her, so I’m honoured that she would be happy to put a bike out for me to race. I’m looking forward to the experience, you know results wise I wouldn’t put any expectations on myself because having never been there before I can’t imagine what it will be like, but I certainly look forward to the challenge.”