Having finalised terms with both Suzuki and Tyco Security Products to support its 2013 British Superbike Championship campaign, TAS Racing has agreed an extended contract with current BSB rider Josh Brookes which will see the Australian compete in Tyco Suzuki livery aboard a GSX-R1000 Suzuki. Brookes currently holds second place in this year’s British Superbike Championship standings as the series edges ever closer to the opening Showdown round at Assen in the Netherlands this coming weekend. And without removing his focus from the job in hand at ‘The Cathedral’ of motorcycling at the TT Circuit, Brookes is delighted to remain with Suzuki for a third consecutive BSB season. Josh Brookes: “I’m with the best team in the BSB paddock so I’d have to say: ‘why would I leave?’ It was all pretty straightforward and an easy decision to make if I’m honest. Philip Neill put a deal in front of me that for me, proved my value to the team and made me realise that they really wanted me there for 2013. “It’s nice to know they value me as the rider they want to win a championship with, and I appreciate that. It took me a while to begin with, but I’m very happy riding the GSX-R1000 and they’ve built a good team around me; so continuing was the only option. It’s important for me to be in a comfortable environment as there’s enough stress during the year – and Tyco Suzuki provides that.” Philip Neill – Team Manager: “While we still have a lot of work to do this season and our focus is 100 per cent on the job in hand – which is to try and win the BSB title with Josh in October – I must admit it is really satisfying to have secured his services for 2013 at this early stage. It is also reassuring for us to have maintained our position with Suzuki and our title sponsor, Tyco Security Products, for another year. “It really was an easy negotiation with Josh and I would go as far to say it was never in any doubt. When the rider is happy with his team, and the team, manufacturer and sponsors are comfortable with the rider, the outcome is usually inevitable – as it was in this case.” George Cheeseman – Marketing Manager, Suzuki GB: “Josh has become a great ambassador for the Suzuki brand and is now almost synonymous with the GSX-R range because of his involvement in British Superbike with Tyco Suzuki and TAS Racing. We still have realistic aspirations of winning this year’s championship and Josh’s recent double at Donington has given us great hope and proved the pedigree of the new GSX-R1000. So to have secured his services for 2013 is pleasing and encouraging for all involved and gives us something to build on in the coming months prior to the new season.” More, from a press release issued by MotorSport Vision: BROOKES CONFIRMED FOR 2013 BRITISH SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP WITH TYCO SUZUKI As the Showdown gets underway this weekend at Assen, the Tyco Suzuki team have today (Wednesday) confirmed the signing of title contender Josh Brookes for the 2013 British Superbike Championship. The announcement is the first rider signing of the 2013 season as Brookes currently lies second in the overall standings and is in a strong position to challenge for a maiden title this year. The signing means the Australian will remain with the Northern Irish based team for a third consecutive season. Brookes said: “It was all pretty straightforward and an easy decision to make if I’m honest. Philip put a deal in front of me that for me, proved my value to the team and made me realise that they really wanted me there for 2013. It’s nice to know they value me as the rider they want to win a championship with, and I appreciate that. I’m very happy riding the GSX-R1000 and they’ve built a good team around me – so for me, continuing was the only option. It’s important for me to be in a comfortable environment and Tyco Suzuki provides that.” Team manager Phillip Neil concluded: “While we still have a lot of work to do this season and our focus is one hundred percent on the job in hand, which is to try and win the BSB title with Josh in October – I must admit it is really satisfying to have secured his services for 2013 at this early stage. It is also reassuring for us to have maintained our position with Suzuki and our title sponsor, Tyco Security Products for another year.” For more information please visit www.britishsuperbike.com