Josh Brookes finished the last round of the 2006 SBK calendar at Magny Cours in France upbeat after a solid weekend. It was the last time Josh will be riding the Kawasaki ZX10R before testing immediately after the race on Monday with Alex Barros’ Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade in preparation for 2007. His results of 15th in race 1 and 16th in race two were important because changes in the bike and equipment in advance of the 2007 package.

“That’s the best I have felt all year. We changed the suspension from Bitubo to Ohlins on the Saturday and the difference was amazing in the races. For the first time I had grip, I could actually race and not feel as if it was going to let go. Now it’s all about 2007. I am testing tomorrow on Barros’ Fireblade, and that should be interesting. We are in full preparation for 2007, looking at what people and parts we should have. We intend to have the best available, so before now and the start of 2007, there’s going to be a lot of work done. It was a tough year, but a good one in many ways. Biggest thanks got to the Team, Sergio Bertocchi, Alto Evolution and all my supporters. I am looking forward to 2007, I am being realistic, but really thing it’s going to be a good year and a foundation for the future.”

Josh will return to Australia this week to begin preparations for 2007 but more importantly, have a home cooked meal from his Mum.