BSB: Brookes joins Redding at PBM Ducati for 2019

Flamboyant Australian Josh Brookes has completed a much anticipated deal to ride at Paul Bird Motorsport Ducati in 2019, alongside ex Grand Prix star, Scott Redding. In a star-studded line-up, Brookes will look to win on a fourth different make of motorcycle, having taken race wins with Honda, Suzuki and Yamaha previously.

Brookes arrived in British Superbikes back in 2009 and was an instant fan favourite, taking podiums in his first year on his way to 4th overall in the title, before taking a first ever BSB win at Thruxton in 2010. The Australian has never finished below 5th in the championship and his hoping to be fighting for the title on the all-new Panigale V4 next season.

“PBM have been the benchmark during much of my time in BSB and have always set the bar very high. With Shakey being my arch-rival, I never really saw myself riding alongside him but when things changed, it became a real consideration, although I wish him a full recovery. The Be Wiser Ducati V4 will be an awesome bike and I’m excited to be a part of this, and to start winning regularly again. I know the team will be at the forefront once again in 2019 and I’m really looking forward to this challenge,” said Brookes, who has had a mixed 2018 campaign.”

Team owner Paul Bird has had a challenging 2018 BSB campaign with just one win from Shane Byrne earlier in the year – although a highly successful NW200 will remain the highlight of the racing year. Bird is hoping that Brookesy can fight for the title and give PBM their number one spot back.

“We are the first team to announce our riders and plans for 2019 so we can now concentrate on winning the BSB title back next year which is our sole aim. Josh is a quality act who is totally focused on winning and is capable of that when he has the right tools as he has proved. We will give him exactly what he needs, as we will Scott, and that should provide some healthy rivalry within the garage. This is an exciting time and a new era for PBM and we can’t wait to get started in our quest.”

The first round of the 2019 season takes place at the Silverstone National Circuit on the 19th – 21st April.