Josh Brookes is aiming to exploit Jonathan Rea's switch to the WSBK class for this weekend's Portimao season finale to snatch second in the final WSS standings from the Ulsterman.
Brookes, who will be making his final WSS appearance before joining HM Plant Honda in BSB next season, starts Sunday's season finale just seven points behind Rea - whose Ten Kate Honda team-mate Andrew Pitt secured the 2008 title last time out at Magny Cours.
"This will be my last race of the year in this championship and in the team," said the Hannspree Stiggy Motorsport Honda rider. "It's going to be a bit strange, but I hope to make it a good final weekend.
"The first session on Friday will be just getting to know the track and getting comfortable with the bike. I will try to ride as much as possible beforehand on my scooter so I can start memorising the layout. I heard the track was pretty slippery, but surely it will get better and better as the weekend gets going.
"Currently I'm third in the championship but, as Rea decided to not ride this weekend, I have a good chance to bring home that second place!" confirmed the Australian, the 2008
Donington Park race winner.
Team-mate Robbin Harms will also be riding in his final event for the Stiggy team this weekend. The Dane, yet to confirm his 2009 plans, starts the final round ninth in the championship, eleven points ahead of Gianluca Nannelli and 21 points behind Barry Veneman.
"I'm excited to race in Portimao - a completely brand new track. I have heard from the guys who have been there testing this week that it should be fantastic!" said Harms, who took a podium finish at Phillip Island. "There are many fast sections, twisty corners and the width of the track means there's plenty of room for overtaking. From the pictures I have seen, the place looks amazing - great facilities and also the track itself. This weekend is my last race with the team, so I want to finish it well and get a good result."
