Stiggy Honda's Josh Brookes will be aiming to steal the World Supersport Championship runner-up spot from under Jonathan Rea's nose at Portimao this weekend, as the Ten Kate rider has switched to Superbikes for the season finale.

Brookes, who moves to British Superbikes with the HM Plant Honda team in 2009, only needs eight points to overtake the Irishman to grab second spot.

"This will be my last race of the year in this championship and in the team. It’s going to be a bit strange, but I hope to make it a good final weekend.

"The first session on Friday will be just getting to know the track and getting comfortable with the bike. I will try to ride as much as possible beforehand on my scooter so I can start memorising the layout.

"I heard the track was pretty slippery, but surely it will get better and better as the weekend gets going. Currently I’m third in the championship but, as Rea decided to not ride this weekend, I have a good chance to bring home that second place!"