Source: Supplied.

Australian Josh Brookes has solidified himself as a title contender in the 2018 Bennetts British Superbike Championship (BSB) after a podium at Silverstone’s ninth round secured his position in the Showdown.

The first six riders in the championship standings qualify for the Showdown, which sees Brookes currently ranked third in the order.

The McAms Yamaha rider lodged a mixed 4-2-6 scorecard at Silverstone on the national circuit, which the former BSB champion was evidently dissatisfied with, acknowledging race wins are crucial from here onwards if he wants to challenge for the Superbike crown.

“Some days come easy and some are hard, that’s racing,” said Brookes. “Today was a hard day – we did have grip issues over the weekend despite some changes. Ultimately we have to dig in at Oulton and go for the wins.”

The British Superbike Championship visits Oulton Park this weekend, 14-16 September, for the 10th round of the series and the first Showdown stop in the title hunt.