Image: Supplied.

MCE Ducati rider Josh Brookes enters the penultimate round of the 2022 British Superbike Championship (BSB) at Donington Park ‘optimistic’ following a ‘big confidence boost’ gained last time out at Oulton Park.

Brookes – who was unable to qualify for the Showdown for the first time in his career – finished all three races at Oulton inside the top 10, the first time he has been able to achieve that feat since Knockhill in June.

Importantly for the Australian, he was able to reduce the gap to the leader across the weekend and completed the final bout in round nine 4.789s from race winner Tommy Bridewell (Oxford Racing Products Ducati) – the closest he has been to victory in recent outings.

“I’m actually optimistic going into Donington as we were within touching distance of the lead group at Oulton which was a big confidence boost,” Brookes explained ahead of the penultimate round.

“The full GP track at Donington is more suitable as our bike is strong on the brakes and the power is a strong point too so that should make us more competitive. I’m quietly confident that we can get a set-up to suit us, and the nature of the track will help us.

“It’s a smooth surface too so maybe we can use it to our advantage with a harder setting and get the grip we need. The weather is changeable at this time of year which may be a factor also, but I’ll keep pushing on until the end of the season like I always do.”

BSB visited Donington Park earlier in the season, albeit on the National circuit, with Brookes bagging 13-10-8 results. The championship continues this weekend on the venue’s GP layout, a circuit where the Australian was victorious in 2020.