Donington BSB: Brookes frustrated with race weekend

Milwaukee Yamaha’s Josh Brookes only gained one podium credit during the final MCE British Superbike race at Donington Park, but has never ridden so hard to grab the third step on the rostrum.

The Australian's race weekend has been blighted by problems with his bike, and only felt that he had the pace to be competitive in the last race at the day. He qualified on the second row which was not ideal, and finished fourth in the opening race of the day – losing out to team-mate Tommy Bridewell. 

Podium credits are of prime importance to the rider, as he had already confirmed his spot in the Showdown, but with the BSB format he is only 26 points adrift of rival Rapid Solicitors Kawasaki’s Shane Byrne, which means the championship is still definitely up for grabs. 

“That is the hardest I have ever had to ride during points in that race. On Friday the gearing I wanted to run was too aggressive on the engine so the whole weekend I have been trying to find a setting with the gearbox, and we never found that sweet spot all weekend," said Brookes at the track. 

“We didn’t give up and the team worked all the way through and we were able to improve my times. But starting from the second row was not ideal really. I got a good start behind Stuart Easton and it took me a while to get past him, and then he didn’t allow me to make a pass for quite sometime and in that period Shakey and Kiyo were setting phenomenal lap times - and I had my work cut out for me once I did get into third place.

“I did make up some time and that was quite satisfying,  and that was the final way of finding a positive this weekend, as it has been quite frustrating. The worse part of it is riding so hard for three days and  for one point is a bit demoralising but that is the BSB format, and I suppose I could be in worse situation, so I am still quite pleased.”