Brookes ‘embarrassed to be that far back with number one plate’

Defending Bennetts British Superbike champion Josh Brookes has had an opening two rounds to forget, as he currently lies 11th in the championship - 73 points away from top spot. 

The Australian was able to claim a ‘slightly improved’ tenth place during Saturday’s race one, however, the lack of speed and results was a surprising and unexpected continuation from round one in Oulton Park. 

Even more surprising is the fact Brookes seems to be the only Ducati rider struggling - suggesting the bike is just as good as last year’s title winning machine. 

Christian Iddon has one win, four podiums and the championship lead - Tommy Bridewell also has two podium finishes (both at Oulton Park).  

This is Brookes’ worst start to a BSB campaign since 2011 when riding for Suzuki. 

A bitterly disappointed Brookes said: "I’m obviously disappointed with how today has gone and embarrassed to be that far back with the number one plate. It’s not natural and it’s not normal for me to be in those positions and I’m in a bit of shock to be honest. 

"The bike hasn’t felt right from the moment we rolled it out the truck and it doesn’t matter what we’ve done, the feeling has been the same. 

"I’ve had bad races in the past but not so many in a row like we’ve had so far this season. 

"I’ve always been able to turn it round and end the weekend on a positive note but that wasn’t the case here at Knockhill. 

"But we won’t give in, I’ll work with my team to sort what we need to."