Honda star Brookes is revved-up

JOSH Brookes' season gets off to a premature start this weekend with a one-off return to the World Superbike paddock – but the HM Plant Honda rider admits the only familiar thing will be the Aussie weather.

The 26-year-old will earn his corn for a second year running in the British Superbike paddock this season with his Louth-based team, but will be on the grid in Phillip Island to replace injured rider Broc Parkes.

Parkes is unable to make the trip Down Under after breaking a leg in practice, meaning Brookes will take his place on board the Echo-CRS Honda.

Brookes is no stranger to the World Superbike circuit, having spent three years in the competition – finishing third in the Supersport category in 2008 – prior to his move to the UK.

But despite being on home turf this weekend, Brookes is not expecting miracles.

"It's been a real rush trying to get things organised for the Phillip Island meeting this weekend," said Brookes.

"I am excited to be racing in the World Superbikes again but I really don't know what to expect because we have seen before that jumping on someone else's bike at the last minute doesn't always make a good race result.

"I always try my best and I have had great success at Phillip Island before so you just never know ."

Brookes earned the unenviable reputation as the bad boy of the BSB paddock last year after two high-speed crashes saw him banned for four races.

All Superbike World Championship races will be broadcast on British Eurosport, with the European rounds also available in High Definition: British Eurosport, Sky 410 & Virgin Media 521, Eurosport HD Sky 412.