BSB contender Josh Brookes was a notable addition to last week's Phillip Island ASBK test. Image: TBG Sport/Andrew Gosling.

British Superbike Championship contender Josh Brookes admits he was surprised at his transition to the Suzuki GSX-R1000 that he’ll campaign with Relentless Suzuki by TAS Racing in 2011.

Brookes has been riding a Superstock-spec Suzuki while preparing for this year’s BSB season in Australia, the production model littered with parts shipped by TAS Racing to Brookes in November last year.

“After riding different machinery for so long, I’m surprised just how quick the Suzuki felt so natural to me – I did feel at home on it straight away,” the Bringelly local explained.

“Yes, it is technically a street bike, but it gave me the chance to set up things like footrest and handlebar positioning before Spain.

“I’m more driven than I have ever been for a season after a spending time at home doing different activities every day to keep myself focussed and I’ve never been so fit. I’m now looking forward to meeting all the guys in my new team and getting to know them before the season starts.

“I hear quite a few of them are into mountain biking and motocross so that should be fun, we can have a laugh and hang out together.”

Brookes has also revealed that he’ll be joining Kevin Magee and co. on air during SPEED’s telecasts of this weekend’s World Superbike season opener at Phillip Island.

“I’ll be in the Fox Sport TV studio this weekend in Sydney and I’m on the commentary team for the World Superbike races at Phillip Island, which gives me a chance to tell everyone what I’m doing this season and give them some information on the team before I leave for Spain on Monday,” he confirmed.

Relentless Suzuki by TAS Racing will head to Spain for the opening test of the year at Cartagena on 3-6 March, marking Brookes’ official debut with the team.