BSB 2012 – Round 11 – Silverstone
— Brookesy talks BSB Title aspirations
Josh Brookes talks about the all-important slingshot into the Showdown after his double at Donington Park and how it’s ‘full gas’ at Silverstone and Brands to try and win his and Tyco Suzuki’s first British Superbike title.
“Donington was the perfect weekend for me, but I think those sort of results are more important to the team and how my other rivals react to that sort of performance, as I know what I’m capable of before I even started the year.
“When my GSX-R1000 Superbike is running the way it was at Donington, then you’re able to achieve your full potential. Some rounds you’re absolutely struggling to show both your own potential and your bike’s potential because the combination isn’t just right, but at Donington it all came together.
“The bike was right, the tyres performed and it all just happened, and of course it was great for me coming into the Showdown. But the more important thing, as I say, is the team gained confidence from it; they know their bike is capable and reliable and they know the Suzuki package is good enough to win races.
“It really gave everyone a massive boost of encouragement, but when you go out and smash your rivals, with fastest laps, pole positions and two race wins you leave them thinking, ‘what’s the point’ and that was the same at Assen. I read Shakey’s post race interview where he said, ‘Oh Josh was in front of me with a lap to go and I could see he was hanging and really loose.’ Well I still beat him!
“He knows his tyre was in better condition and his bike had the slight edge at Assen but I still won that second race on the Tyco Suzuki. Without sounding over confident, I’ve always known what I’m capable of; I’ve known for a long time. I wouldn’t have left Australia and changed my life pattern if I didn’t think I was capable of winning this championship, so I’m not surprised how things have progressed this year.
“I think it has a greater and more positive effect on the people around me. I’m just glad it boosts my team. I mean we didn’t have a perfect weekend at Assen, but we now know how to work through the hard times. We had chatter and tyre wear but no one gives up and says, ‘oh we’re going to have a bad weekend’ the guys just think, ‘we’ll fix it and be fast again’.
“I also had a crash at Assen but the boys fixed the bike in no time and ‘bang’ inside two laps I was back up there again in the top three. When you’re at this part of the season you just have to overcome the problems that kick you and get on with it.
“What my new crew chief Stewart Johnstone brings is undoubtedly a big part of what we have achieved this season, but I think everyone on my side of the garage is doing a good job this year.
“Stewart is probably the greatest component and gives good direction, but he will openly admit, he can’t do it on his own and both Marks [McIvor and McCarville] are doing what is asked of them. They do it to the best of their ability and all that contributes to the success we’ve had so far.
“There’s no nonsense work. Everything is done for a reason and there’s no guess work. The guys work alongside each other with complete respect and understanding of what job needs done, and again that’s why my side of the garage is so strong, but yeah… Stewart is a great leader. On top of that they all give me the respect I need and give me confidence in the bike I ride. It’s a good combination. I have so much confidence in the bike now and the package and I know I can run a good race to the other guys wherever we go.
“Silverstone happens to be one of my favourite circuits. I’ve had good results there before, but I don’t think it’s just about the results as I like Donington and the last three years there [2009, 2010, 2011] I’ve had rubbish results. I didn’t go there this year hating the track. I love the track and this year I turned it all around and had great results. I also like Brands and when we go there I expect Shakey to be one of the best competitors and probably my main rival, but the way we are going I think we can bring it to him.
“People ask am I changing my game plan for the Showdown, but why would I change what has been working all year? It’s going to be just the same and I’ll carry the same technique and style into Silverstone and Brands, including our race build up and preparation. I will also race the GSX-R1000 as I have been doing all year and what we have to do is look to create that same pattern and don’t change what works.
“My game plan is always to win. It will be the same at Silverstone and Brands. Whether it’s round one or the last round, my goal is to the push the bike to its limit, but try to find that and not go over it. But the ultimate goal is to win races and at the end of the season hopefully that brings us the championship.”
