Milwaukee Yamaha head to the Kent circuit feeling positive after a strong winter testing programme as Bridewell makes his return after scoring podium finishes for the Guisborough-based squad when he lined up in the final three rounds of last season. The opening round at Brands Hatch marks the race debut of Australian Brookes with the team, who impressed at the recent official test at Donington Park, lapping under the current lap record.

Brookes said: “I would say I am more confident than I have been in previous years going into a season. I expected to have a good pace in testing and of course Donington Park was really good for myself and the Milwaukee Yamaha team. I think that the first round always seems big improvements compared to testing for some riders and looking to Brands Hatch, Shakey will be the gauge but I am satisfied with how testing has gone and now we are ready to really get started. I was expecting to set a strong pace pre-season and I feel really comfortable on the Yamaha, so we are in a good range for Brands Hatch and ready to get the job started. We will be pushing to get the best results we possibly can this weekend.”

Bridewell said: “Brands Hatch is going to be an interesting one I think for sure and I don’t really know what to expect. At the last test at Donington Park I wasn’t pushing anywhere near as hard as I could so obviously that will change for the first round as we want to have the best possible start. Shakey (Byrne) and my team-mate Josh have both showed good pace in pre-season testing but it is difficult to judge before we get out on track for the races. I think looking at it from this point now those are going to be the two to beat at Brands Hatch. I am capable of beating them and after achieving a double podium finish last year; my next goal that I want to tick off is a race win.”

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