Brookes boosted by title-winning mechanics.

Josh Brookes arrived at the Italian headquarters of Alto Evolution Honda earlier this week, in preparation for this weekend's first test with the 2007 spec CBR1000RR in Sicily.

Brookes, who will ride alongside fellow Australian and former World Supersport champion Karl Muggeridge this season, has previously been testing an ex-Alex Barros 2006 spec bike.

However, the new machinery isn't the only boost for the young Australian this season, as he will be working with the core group of mechanics from his title-winning Honda Australia Team - in the form of chief mechanic Garry House, plus junior mechanics Shawn Clarke and Indy Samaraweera.

"I am just itching to get out there," said Brookes ahead of the test. "I have had a tough off season, training really hard and losing a lot of weight to be as competitive as possible for this year. Without doubt, this year is the one to start getting some good results. Having Garry and the boys in the team has made this year seem so different from last. They are motivated and are working their butts off to get things right. We have really trick Ohlins suspension this year, my favorite bike and a great team. I am certainly being realistic, knowing there's factory machinery out there and massive budgets, but aiming for some top ten finishes is not out of the question, and better if possible."

After the two days of testing in Sicily, Alto Evolution Honda will head to Qatar for a further three days of track time prior to the first round of the championship at the same venue on February 24.