British Superbike

Tough weekend for Brookes at Knockhill

2 Mins read
Josh Brookes at Knockhill
It was a difficult weekend in Scotland for Josh Brookes (Credit: Bonnie Lane Photographics)

Josh Brookes struggled to get to grips with the Knockhill circuit this weekend, picking up a fifth in race two after crashing out of the opening race.

Brookes started race one from the outside of row two, in sixth spot, and made a positive start to proceedings. The good start wouldn’t last though and the Australian soon found himself back down in eighth place.

The Anvil Hire Yamaha man regrouped and made his way back into sixth, setting his sights on the the leading group before unfortunately crashing out at the ‘Hairpin’ on lap 12.

Speaking about the race meeting Brookes said: ” I knew coming into this round it was going to be a difficult event, I don’t know if it’s the Yamaha, myself or my riding style but I had a difficult weekend here in 2015 so I anticipated this weekend was going to be tough again, and I knew I’d need all the help I could get.

“Every session I went out in I did the best I could but I just didn’t find my rhythm and we’re still missing something. To get away from the weekend without injury and to salvage the points that we did is not satisfactory but we’ll have to accept it.”

Brookes started from sixth once again in race two, following the team’s excellent efforts to rebuild his Yamaha machine.

He got off the line well but got boxed in at the first corner, dropping him back down to seventh. Brookes soon had Jason O’Halloran in his sights and was able to make his move on lap 12.

Next up was O’Halloran’s Honda teammate Dan Linfoot, who already had his eyes set firmly on the leading pack. Brookes put in some quick laps and was able to catch and pass Linfoot on the penultimate lap, before crossing the line in fifth spot.

Brookes added: “We’re still working on things with the bike and we’re working on the setup and we’ve made a step forward this weekend, but I’m expecting to see the value of everything next time out.

His crash in the opening race means that Brookes has dropped down to sixth in the championship, on 78 points, and the team know that they need to start picking up some podium credits if they are to keep their title hopes alive.

Team boss Rob Winfield explained: “Josh still sits in the all-important top six, but we’ve got to start picking up podium credits. We’ll continue to support him fully, everyone has worked very hard this weekend and sometimes it just doesn’t happen, and that is what has happened here.

“We’re going to go home, sit down and regroup ahead of Snetterton, because we know we have the bike, the right team and the correct rider to win races.”

Brookes and the team now have a two-week break before heading down to Norfolk, for round five of the championship at Snetterton.

Avatar photo
590 posts

About author
Josh is a Sports Journalism graduate and has been a member of the TCF team since 2015. Between 2015 and 2018, Josh focused primarily on British Superbikes and Road Racing events such as the Isle of Man TT. At the beginning of the 2019 season he became the MotoGP Reporter.
Articles
Related posts
British SuperbikeDakarRoad Racing

Isle of Man TT winner James Hillier set for Dakar Rally debut in 2023 Malle Moto

2 Mins read
After a delay, James Hillier will make his first Dakar Rally start in 2023. Riding in the Malle Moto class, he will be the first Isle of Man TT winner to challenge Dakar.
British Superbike

Exclusive interview with Ben Luxton

3 Mins read
Getting to know one of the UK’s rising talents. Here’s an exclusive interview with British Superstock 600 rider Ben Luxton
British SuperbikeRoad Racing

Honda Racing confirm their 2020 British Superbike plans

1 Mins read
Honda Racing have announced their British Superbike and Superstock plans, along with their road racing plans for the 2020 season.