Josh Brookes switches to Relentless Suzuki

2010 British Superbike runner-up Josh Brookes will remain in BSB next season, but leave HM Plant Honda and join Relentless by TAS Suzuki.

Brookes finished second behind team-mate Ryuichi Kiyonari this season, his second in BSB, having claimed five victories from 13 podiums.

"I'm really excited about the whole project to be honest," said the Australian. "I obviously know the strength of the GSX-R1000 Superbikeh aving raced alongside the guys this season in BSB, so once Philip discussed his ideas with me, I was keen to go in the Suzuki direction straight away.

"Everything has come together very easy and the whole thing feels really good to me. I'm also looking forward to basing myself in Northern Ireland for next season as I know the boys have a top working environment over there. I just want to do my training, get fit and focus on my racing. I'm confident I can do that with Relentless by TAS Suzuki and the end product will hopefully be the Championship."

Team manager Philip Neill admitted he was surprised to sign Brookes.

"Even though he was my undisputed number one choice for next season I didn't think Josh would become available, so to say I'm excited to have secured his signature would be a bit of an understatement," he said.

"I've admired him as a rider ever since I first watched him race and as an ex-motocrossman like myself, I found it very easy to relate to him when we entered into our discussions. It has all come together very well and pretty much along the same lines as the Guy Martin deal. That's the way I like to do business.

"I'm also pleased that he has decided to base himself in Northern Ireland next year close to our workshop. This will give the whole team a better chance to get to know him and I'm sure he'll enjoy the Northern Ireland way of life."

Relentless, which will be Suzuki's factory BSB team in 2011, is still to announce its second rider.