Brookes ‘looking forward’ to Knockhill, ‘not deflated’ by tough start
Defending Bennetts British Superbike champion Josh Brookes is looking to make up for a tough start to his title defence at Knockhill.
Brookes was considerably off the pace compared to the top riders at Oulton Park, which included team-mate Christian Iddon.
The Ducati rider had made 20 race starts at the Scottish circuit (most of the current riders) which wasn’t visited last year due to Covid-19.
It’s the only venue on the current calendar where Brookes is yet to win, however, the Australian has had varied success in the way of podiums- seven in total.
"I’m looking forward to Knockhill where we know we have made some improvements at the pre-season tests," said Brookes.
"Our lap times at those tests were very competitive so I know we have lots of potential at this track.
"It’s not my favourite track but now I have a good setting, I like it a lot more. I’m hoping for some good results to boost my championship potential.
"I’m not at all deflated after Oulton Park, we have started seasons with a lot worse results and still won championships, so we aren’t dwelling on that, I’m feeling confident ahead of these next three races now."
For Brookes’ team-mate Iddon it was the near perfect start to a season. The British rider finished second in all three races behind Jason O’Halloran, but could easily have taken victory himself.
Even though Iddon was unable to beat the Yamaha rider, it’s easily his best start to a BSB season, which he aims ‘to continue’ this weekend.
"I’m all set for Knockhill and the plan is to continue the good form we showed at Oulton Park. The condensed schedule will suit me too," added Iddon.
"I’ve never raced the Ducati there, but we got plenty of laps in at the pre-season tests and found a few things that should help me so I’m feeling pretty confident.
"It’s a track which has never been too kind to me over the years but I’m aiming to rectify that this weekend.
"It’s a shame we’ll be racing in front of such few fans as usually the atmosphere is great up in Scotland, but we’ll still put on a good show."
