Parkes returns to BSB as cover for injured Hopkins
Broc Parkes is set to make a comeback in the MCE British Superbike championship as stand-in for the injured John Hopkins at ePayMe Yamaha.
The Australian rider made his BSB debut last year with Milwaukee Yamaha alongside eventual champion Josh Brookes but failed to match the level of results and left the team midway through the campaign.
Parkes will act as cover for the injured Hopkins at Snetterton after the American rider sustained a broken and dislocated right collarbone, four broken ribs and a bruised lung in a nasty fall in the wet race two at Knockhill.
Parkes, who has a wealth of experience on the Yamaha from his time in BSB and the Endurance World Championship, is relishing the prospect of returning to action with a former team-mate Tommy Hill.
"I am actually really excited about this opportunity," Parkes said. "You never want to see another rider out through injury, but it will be great working with Tommy Hill as we were team-mates in the World Supersport Championship before.
"Last year didn't work out for various reasons, but I am coming back feeling like I have a point to prove. I want to show I can be up there but at the same time I know how tough this championship is and I need to be realistic as the other guys have tested at Snetterton recently and have some rounds already under their belts.
"I have been training really hard ready for when an opportunity like this came along and I want to show that I can be up there and I intend on doing the best job I possibly can for the ePayMe Yamaha team."
ePayMe Yamaha boss Hill feels Parkes is ideal cover given his experience and is wishing Hopkins a speedy recovery from his injuries.
"We are obviously gutted as a team to see John out through injury as before the crash he had been showing such great form," Hill said. "We had shown glimmers of form in the opening rounds and then at Knockhill everything was coming together and we really knew that we could score the results we know we are capable of and potentially still fight for the top six as it is so unpredictable and changing all the time. We now have to wait for John to see the specialist to work out when he will be able to return.
"As a team we are committed to having two riders on track and it was important to find a rider who already has experience of the Yamaha, the Pirelli tyres and the circuit and Broc has all of this, plus links with Yamaha and also our partner Monster Energy.
"Broc had a tough season last year but he is definitely driven to come back and prove himself within this championship. The team are excited to work with Broc and collectively achieve the best results we can with such short notice."
