Milwaukee Yamaha are gearing up for the 2014 MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship season and have announced the arrival of Josh Brookes to the 2011 title-winning team alongside Tommy Bridewell as the formidable pair both bid for title victory.
Australian Brookes joins the team for his sixth season in the championship as he bids to fulfil his aspirations of lifting the title after finishing runner-up twice.
Brookes is now relishing the opportunity to race a Yamaha for the first time in his career and is already preparing back home in Australia for the team‰Ûªs pre-season test programme early next year.
‰ÛÏThree years with any team is fairly long so this is a good time for a change, and I believe Milwaukee Yamaha has a package capable of winning the championship.' Brookes stated.
"I have never ridden a Yamaha before but I know that when Leon (Camier) rode the bike and won the title he spoke very highly of it and I have been a rival to it for a long time and it appears to be a really strong bike! Shaun (Muir) wanted me to be a part of the team and seems really excited about the prospect of working together next season and that makes me look forward to returning again next year with this different opportunity," he added.
Bridewell returns to the team following his striking performances in the final three rounds of the 2013 season when he scored an impressive three podium finishes from his first for races onboard the Milwaukee Yamaha. Bridewell has previously been a contender in the Showdown and is aiming to build on his podium finishing performances from the final rounds of this season.
The team will also continue to contest the major international road races with Ian Hutchinson returning to action at this year‰Ûªs Macau Grand Prix and lining up in Milwaukee Yamaha colours again at next year‰Ûªs Isle of Man TT Ulster GP and the North West 200.
Brookes, who made his road racing debut at the NW200 and TT last season, will also return to the events as he combines the two disciplines.
‰ÛÏWe are delighted to confirm our line up for next season, and all of us involved at Milwaukee Yamaha are excited at the prospect of Tommy and Josh battling for race wins from the very first race." Team Owner Shaun Muir stated. "I have obviously watched Josh for several seasons and admired his guile, determination and aggression.
"I am also very pleased that we can welcome Tommy back into the team because his attitude and performances during the final rounds of last season have done nothing but impress me, the team and our sponsors.
"I believe we will see him mature in a genuine championship contender from the very start of the season. I can see these guys working well off the track and equally doing battle on it. I am sure the combination of Josh and Tommy puts us in a very strong position to win back the title in 2014.‰Û
