Quick Q & A with Josh Brookes
Josh Brookes recently took part in a two-day test session in Europe amongst many of the front running World Superbike teams.
Here is a quick Q & A with Joshifumi about how the recent test went with the Milwaukee BMW Team, an outfit that helped Josh to 2015 British Superbike Championship victory, but this year have switched to BMW machinery and along with Josh made the move from BSB over to World Superbike.
The end of your first test on the Milwaukee BMW: what’s your overall feeling?
“Good!”
Were you happy with your lap times compared to the WorldSBK regulars?
“Not at this point, but it’s only the second day on the bike.”
Did you attempt a race simulation just to get a feel for how the S 1000 RR performs over 40 minutes of constant action?
“We are working to find a base setup for the bike and giving myself and the team a moment to settle in to the new surroundings. It’s a big process and race simulation is something we’ll do when we’ve reached the final stages of all aspects of team and bike set up.”  Â
What are the key things you’ll be working on for the next test?
“Continue working for a base chassis setup so we have a platform to build from. Plus engine brake programming and character as this has a huge influence on the overall feel and action of the bike.”
Does the S 1000 RR feel a lot different to the YZF-R1 you rode last year? If so, in what way?
“The BMW is surprisingly similar to the R1 but I can’t compare too much at this early stage as it’s just 2 days on the BMW compared with a full season of racing on the R1.”
Is the S 1000 RR an ‘easy’ bike to ride, notwithstanding that it packs a decent horsepower punch?
“At this moment in time it’s the same as any other new bike I’ve ridden. We have a bit of work to do, but we have two days next week at Aragon and two days at the Phillip Island test in race week.”
How do you think the S 1000 RR will perform at Phillip Island?
“We have as much chance as anyone else on the grid!”
There you go, short and sweet with Josh Brookes, a man of few words, but one that let’s his performance on the track do his speaking for him.
One thing is for sure, he will have plenty of Aussie fans pulling for him when the lights go out and WorldSBK season 2016 gets underway at Phillip Island late next month.
Four Australians will compete in the two 22-lap WorldSBK races at Phillip Island on February 27 and 28: Josh Brookes, Josh Hook, Mike Jones and Jed Metcher.
The two 22-lap WorldSBK races are scheduled for 3:00pm on Saturday and Sunday.
Entry to the 2016 Motul FIM Superbike World Championship, Yamaha Finance round Phillip Island
- $115* for a three-day pass
- $80* for a Sunday only pass
- Kids 15 and under are free**
- On circuit camping is just $100* for four nights, with kids 15 and under free**
Visit www.ticketek.com.au for tickets; or www.worldsbk.com.au for info.
* Advance ticket prices only, delivery and processing fees may apply.
**Children must be accompanied by a paying adult
