British Superbike Championship contender Josh Brookes will debut with Milwaukee Yamaha at Cartagena in Spain this week, his first official ride aboard the YZF-R1.

The Spanish test marks Brookes’ debut with the team as he get his first opportunity to test the Yamaha after spending the Australian summer back home in Sydney.

“The first test is what I was looking forward to about coming back from Australia and I can’t wait to get started,” Brookes commented. “The first time out on the Milwaukee Yamaha is an opportunity for me to get to know the bike and the team and start the process of learning all the new elements for this year.

“I obviously want to be going out and setting competitive times and if we can be fastest then great, because everyone always has to aim to be at the front, but it isn’t the most important thing on day one.”

Brookes will also use the opportunity to learn team personnel following three successful seasons at Tyco Suzuki.

“I do tend to have a unique personality so it is good that we have the time at testing for the team to get to know me and I am excited about riding the Yamaha for the first time,” he added.

“I have always ridden bikes from different manufacturers so to me it has handlebars and two wheels and I want to grab hold of it and get on with the job now. I am going to let it come to me at the first test and then we can push on.”

Brookes will be joined by teammate Tommy Bridewell in the test, who joined the team in the latter stages of last season.