Tyco Suzuki rider Josh Brookes to make TT debut tonight on the Mountain course

At 6.20pm tonight, Australian Josh Brookes will take the first tentative steps in his hugely anticipated Isle of Man TT career during the opening controlled speed practice session.

The Tyco Suzuki rider will then get the opportunity to ride both GSX-R1000 machines in Superbike and Superstock trim in the session that follows later in the evening.

Brookes made his pure road racing debut just one week ago at the International North West 200, and despite wet weather and the cancellation of main race day – the talented 30-year-old finished seventh in the Superstock race with the third fastest lap. He also qualified fourth on the Superbike grid but sadly didn’t get to race after the event was abandoned due to horrendous weather conditions.

Having just arrived on the Isle of Man to soak up the atmosphere before today’s opening practice session, Brookes said: “I just can’t wait to get started. I’ve completed loads of laps of the course but it’s nice to see it in full race trim now. The butterflies are there which shows me the first signs of any emotion. I’m just looking forward to getting on the bike now and putting all the pre-event hype and speculation behind me.”

Team manager Philip Neill said: “The TT always seems so far away then it’s right there on top of you. Josh has created a lot of hype since the announcement that we would run him at this year’s TT. I nearly missed the newcomers’ session at the North West as I forgot we had a newcomer in the programme, but what a great job he did in the conditions. We all know what sort of racing pedigree that Josh possesses but the TT is a different animal to anything else he will tackle this season. He has prepared well and it’s just a matter of taking it step-by-step and not cutting any corners. I think we will all have butterflies at 6.20pm tonight – but a bit of emotion is a good thing. It shows you are prepared and respectful, but we are all looking forward to it.”