Australian Josh Brookes is remaining optimistic ahead of this weekend’s opening round of the 2018 Bennetts British Superbike Championship (BSB) at Donnington Park, which will mark his racing debut with the McAMS Yamaha team.

Following a stellar season in 2017 that saw him fall just shy of the title, Brookes transferred to the factory-supported outfit for the upcoming season, and he’s already declared his confidence in the YZF-R1 machine.

“I feel like we’re in a good place to be honest,” said Brookes. “Of course a bit of extra track time in dry weather would have been ideal but think everyone is in the same boat.

“Although it’s a new team, I feel confident in the bike as a base machine. The front end feels really good, the focus will be on trying some different options at the rear at Donington. But that is pretty much what I’m always looking for – a good setting to gain more grip.

“The attitude from me and the team is that the series is long, of course we all try our best but ultimately the first round doesn’t decide the championship.”

Brookes is no stranger to the YZF-R1, having piloted the model in his 2017 campaign, however the additional factory backing will boost his chances in a bid for a second British Superbike crown.