Road Racing: Josh Brookes confirms TT return

Josh Brookes will return to the Isle of Man TT in 2023 with the FHO Racing team.

Two-time British Superbike Champion Josh Brookes will make his return to the Isle of Man TT this year. For the first time since 2018, Brookes will return to the TT, riding a BMW M 1000 RR.

Josh Brookes will contest the RST Superbike, RL360 Superstock, and the Milwaukee Senior TT Races. He will race alongside fellow BSB rider and BSB teammate, Peter Hickman in a strong line-up.

Brookes will continue to race in the British Superbike championship this year, moving to Faye Ho’s team. 

It marks 10 years since Brookes made his Isle of Man TT debut in 2013, racing a Tyco Suzuki. The 39-year-old would have a strong debut, finishing seventh place in his first Senior TT, with a speed of 129.859mph.

The Australian returned to the TT another three times in a ten-year period, adding to his experience on the 37.73-mile course. Brookes last returned to the TT in 2018 with Norton, finishing fifth place in the Senior TT. He set a lap speed of 131.745mph, becoming the 11^th fastest rider of all time.

Brookes said: “Like all the other times I’ve been to the TT I’m both nervous and excited. It’s a big event and it’s thrilling, but it does create nerves and it’s full of emotion. FHO Racing has a great background at the event with all they achieved last year. I also have both the perfect and, potentially, the worst teammate with Pete!”

“The event has changed a little since I last raced in 2018, with the new schedule for this season with the change in the practice format and the Senior moved to the final Saturday, but I’m looking forward to getting stuck in and riding the Mountain course once again.”

Faye Ho added: “I’m very excited to have Josh joining us for the TT this year. He has a good history at the event and has achieved some great results despite an interrupted journey.” 

“Although the British Superbike Championship is our main priority with Josh for this season, he was keen to return to the TT after a five-year break and we were happy to support him in the Superbike, Senior and Superstock Races on the M 1000 RR. I can’t wait to see him in action out there, and I think alongside Pete, we will have a strong presence at the TT.”