Denning: Brookes' BSB title not valid comparison

Paul Denning says emulating Josh Brookes' BSB title with the Yamaha R1 is not comparable due to the level of competition in World Superbikes.

02 Jun 2016

Pata Yamaha boss Paul Denning says the level of competition is so much stronger in World Superbikes that emulating what Josh Brookes and Shaun Muir Racing achieved with the R1 last year in British Superbikes is not comparable to this season.

Last year with the introduction of the new Yamaha R1 Brookes produced a phenomenal second half of the season on the Milwaukee Yamaha to storm to a maiden MCE British Superbike championship, winning 13 of the last 16 races.

What made Brookes' title charge standout was the transformation of a new machine into a championship winner and after missing out on the top step of the rostrum in the opening five rounds of the 2015 season notched up almost untouchable form and pace.

In World Superbikes, Paul Denning's Crescent Racing team has picked up the task of turning the R1 into a championship winner on the international stage.

After a tricky opening half of the season, stalled by unexpected technical issues and rider injuries, Denning is aiming for a stronger second half of the season.

Asked whether the correct tweaks and ideal set-up could see Pata Yamaha emulate Brookes' achievements from last year Denning feels the R1 definitely has the potential but his team is contending against much stronger competition compared to what Brookes faced in BSB.

"I think it has the potential to be a winning bike yes," Denning told Crash.net. "As a big fan of BSB and having run a team in the series for many years, it is not quite a valid comparison because however good a rhythm Josh found last year, he didn't have to beat factory Kawasaki World Superbikes or Ducati Corse or the depth of riders here.

"While I believe there is the potential for this bike to challenge for the world title this championship is too strong to ever imagine you are going to take a step ahead to the extend Brookes did last year."

After Crescent Racing moved into World Superbikes in 2012, having claimed one British Superbike title and three British Supersport championships, Denning has kept a close eye on the national scene and is impressed with the brand new ePayMe Yamaha squad run by Tommy Hill.

"Tommy is doing a good job and I've been impressed every time I've spoken to him," he said. "He is obviously very hard working and doing a good job on the commercial aspects, presentation, covering all the bases and has a balanced view on the level of performance.

"He is not panicking, throwing out riders or technicians and he is trying to improve with what he has. It is a tough championship because you only need to be a little bit off and you will find yourself a long way back."