Race pace the focus for Brookes and Iddon at Donington BSB test

Next up for 2020 BSB champion Josh Brookes and team-mate Christian Iddon is round one of the 2021 season at Oulton Park. 

Both riders concluded their pre-season testing yesterday at Donington Park with Brookes sixth and Iddon seventh fastest. 

Brookes was just over six tenths down on fellow Australian Jason O’Halloran, but the 38 year-old elected not to do a time-attack like some of his competitors that finished ahead. 

Brookes added: "I’m happy enough with how today went, it was good to get some more dry track time and to continue developing our overall package as well as getting more data about the tyres. 

"Whereas the time sheets don’t reflect our hard work and performance, I’m not really taking much notice as we are only six-tenths off the riders who concentrated on putting a fast lap in and we can do our times all race long. 

"We have had a good, solid testing schedule over the past few weeks and are now raring to get the season started at Oulton Park in a couple of weeks."

It was a similar story for Iddon who has spent much of the pre-season focusing on having consistent pace for full race distance. 

Iddon goes into his second year with the Paul Bird led Ducati team in 2021, and feels the feedback he’s able to provide now, is better than this time last year.

"I was happy with our progress today as this was the last time we got to work on our settings before the opening round. We have done a lot of work this year and with it being my second year with the team, I’m able to relay the feedback better," added Iddon.  

"We are better placed than we were last year and that didn’t go too badly so I’m very happy. I’m not bothered about the time sheets, and we have never chased a fast lap time all throughout testing. 

"It’s all about race runs for me and that’s what we’ve been concentrating on. There are still improvements to make, and we’ll continue to work but it’s nearly go time and I’m ready."