Josh Brookes, pictured in 2012, commenced his BSB testing program this week.

Tyco Suzuki’s Josh Brookes, PJ Jacobsen and Taylor Mackenzie completed a successful opening test prior to the start of the 2013 British championship season earlier today at Kirkistown in Northern Ireland.

According to a press release from the team, Brookes was in blistering form, despite the low spring temperatures.

“It was great to be back out on track and despite coming from 30-degree heat at home in Australia to single-digit stuff here at Kirkistown, we completed a successful opening day,” Brookes said.

“I got within a few tenths of my quickest-ever lap-time around here, despite the cold conditions and using our new Ohlins Suspension for the very first time, so I’m pleased with how it all went.”

Team manager Philip Neill was also impressed with the opening test of the season.

“It’s always good to get the boys over here on this side of the water, and although quite a bit colder than Josh has been used to, he had a good safe and consistent day,” Neill said.

“We’ve made quite a few changes this season, the major one moving to Ohlins suspension and although we didn’t quite know what to expect, the initial feeling is very, very good, which Josh proved being so close to his best-ever lap around Kirkistown in not exactly ideal conditions.”

The British Superbike season will commence at Brands Hatch on 5-7 April.