Brookes, Seeley sparkle in final test outing

Tyco Suzuki British Superbike duo Alastair Seeley and Josh Brookes made the most of the unseasonal weather in Northern Ireland during a final pre-season shakedown ahead of next weekend's opening round of the championship.

Both riders were frequently under the lap record for the Irish championship track in County Down, posting regular 54.3s and 54.4s laps on their Suzuki GSX-R1000 superbikes in the hot spring sunshine.

Reigning British Supersport champion Seeley and Aussie contender Brookes grasped the opportunity to iron out any remaining niggles from the recent tests at Brands Hatch and Snetterton.

Brookes, looking relaxed and content in his new set-up with crew chief Stewart Johnstone and Mark McCarville, completed over 80 laps on Wednesday and declared himself '100 per cent happy' with his team.

"If you added it all up today I think we did quite a number of laps. I decided to stay on as the weather was perfect and there are always things you can try," he said.

"We ran through a number of set-ups and put down some decent lap times, which were pretty steady and consistent. I'm 100 per cent happy with my side of the garage and I know with a bit of time things will get even better.

"Last week there were some general things I wasn't happy with but going to Kirkistown worked out well. As I always say, it's better to ride anywhere than not at all. Yeah it was a good day."

Seeley wrapped up his test in the middle of the afternoon but not before he had set the fastest lap of the day in a time of 54.3s.

"I was happy with the race simulation we did, posting consistent lap times with the fastest lap coming at a time when the tyre would certainly not have been at its best - so that's confidence-inspiring," he said.

"We're certainly going in the right direction. Yes we still have a bit to do, but you couldn't post consistent 54-second times if the bike wasn't working well. We've matched last year's time that we did on the superbike with all the electronic aids, so that's also a positive.

"We also had a new motor in today which was smooth and not aggressive and is to my liking, although it still has plenty of power.

"Everyone is singing off the same hymn sheet, so we've gelled well. Hopefully we can hit the ground running at Brands next week."