Double Bennetts British Superbike Champion Josh Brookes returned to the top step of the podium again at the 2023 season opener and as he arrives at Oulton Park this weekend (April 29 – May 1), the Australian admits that the Cheshire circuit will be an all new challenge for the FHO Racing BMW Motorrad team.
Brookes secured a hat trick of podium finishes, including the victory in race two on his debut with the team, which he followed up with a strong performance at the recent test at Oulton Park. Now heading into the next three races of the season, the Australian is determined to not rest on their laurels.
Brookes said: “Obviously we are carrying a lot of positive energy after winning the race at Silverstone; however I am not shy to say that Silverstone has always produced, not strange results, but hasn’t always been the same character as the rest of the season as a whole. We have seen examples before so I don’t want to get too hyped up and over enthusiastic about those results as we still have a whole season ahead to prove. Looking to Oulton Park though I have had success there in the past and I think it is a fantastic circuit, it’s very technical and physically demanding. I am looking forward to getting there and see what we can do in the races.
“At the test we were really competitive in the times, both Peter [Hickman] and I were in the top six, so that bodes well but we also know we have areas and room to improve with the general package of the bike because of the limited time we had before racing. We haven’t got what I would think, the bike in the perfect range. I feel it is quite easy at this stage to possibly make changes that will really improve our potential, against say later in the year where you just set up from track to track. So given the proximity to where we started and where we are, I think there is a good optimism amongst us that we are going to improve at the round. I am looking forward to getting there and getting started.”