Brookes jumps the infamous crest at Cadwell Park. Image: Tim Keeton.

The final countdown is on the opening round of the MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship at Brands Hatch next weekend as leading teams made their final preparations at Cadwell Park this week.

Australian title contender Josh Brookes made his debut at the Cadwell circuit this week alongside HM Plant Honda teammate Ryuichi Kiyonari, Worx Crescent Suzuki’s Tommy Hill and Swan Honda’s James Ellison took part in the Lincolnshire circuit’s season launch event.

HM Plant Honda and Worx Crescent Suzuki utilised Wednesday afternoon to continuing testing after their day on circuit on Tuesday, with Brookes and Hill running at similar times during the afternoon.

Brookes again continued his solid run of pre-season form by setting the best lap of the test with a 1:27.8, while Hill was second fastest at 1:27.96, with Kiyonari lapping in the low 1:30s bracket.

“I love it here and I suppose that comes down to when I did ten years of junior Motocross,” Brookes beamed. “It did take me a while to get used to the jump but I think I am getting better. It’s one of those things that you will never completely master and you have to show it real respect.

“I love circuits that have this kind of character and the elevations, blind crests are amazing. I can’t wait to come back here and race later in the year now. We have had a good few days up here and I am raring to go for Brands Hatch now.”

Brands Hatch hosts the opening round of the 2010 MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship on the Easter weekend of 2-5 April.