After months of preparation, re-branding and finally testing the new GSX-R1000 Superbike, Northern Ireland based TAS Racing is delighted to be back on track tomorrow for the opening sessions of the 2012 British Superbike Championship – decked out in the all-new Tyco Suzuki livery.

Super fast Australian Josh Brookes, who has been retained for a second season, will be joined by the 2011 British Supersport Champion Alastair Seeley in the Tyco Suzuki BSB line-up, with Manxman Conor Cummins making his Tyco Suzuki debut in the National Superstock class – also GSX-R1000 mounted.

Both Seeley and Brookes arrive at Brands off-the-back of a successful final test in Northern Ireland just over a week ago, and Cummins, who will major his season on the Isle of Man TT, is ‘in town’ to demonstrate his prowess in the hotbed of short circuit racing.

Josh Brookes

“I’m happy with everything as it stands at the moment. I now just want to get out and see how fast we can run in the conditions tomorrow; then follow that up on Saturday and Sunday by going faster or maintaining top spot. I’m not a great lover of the Indy circuit. The bits that make up the GP circuit I love, but not the rest. Although you don’t have to like a circuit to go fast at it. I’d certainly rather be somewhere where my Superbike could stretch its legs, but we’ll deal with the situation and on Monday, try to get the best out of the opening two races to start the year positively.”

Alastair Seeley

“I’m really looking forward to four days on track. I want to get in amongst the boys who are supposed to be the quickest in BSB and do my best to match them. Two one-hour sessions on Friday will certainly let us know straight away where we are with the new GSX-R1000 Superbike, and also let us see the progress we’ve made since the first test of the year. The whole set-up looks superb from the bikes, the garage, right through to the hospitality unit. Everyone is already talking about it. Hopefully I can match that on track this weekend.”

Conor Cummins

“It’s the first one of the year and my debut with the Tyco Suzuki team. I’ve always said they were a professional outfit and what I’ve seen so far just fills me full of confidence. I can’t wait for the first session to throw my leg over the big ‘Gixer’. The extra track time will be great for the NW200 and TT but I also want to give a good account of myself and give it my best shot. I can’t wait to pull those Tyco Suzuki branded Dainese leathers on tomorrow. I’m smiling now at the prospect of it!”

Philip Neill – Team Manager

“Well here we are with another season about to start. With all the hard work over the winter re-branding to Tyco Suzuki colours and building new bikes to meet the new BSB specifications, it will be great to finally go racing. BSB is perhaps at its highest level in terms of competition, which will no doubt make it a very tough year for everyone. However the positive in that, is there is no better time to become the British Superbike champions.

We are really looking forward to the challenge this year and with the riders, team and machinery, I feel we have as good a chance as anyone this year. Brands Indy is a difficult little circuit which often brings fireworks, especially for the opening round. Our plan will be to score solid points and stay out of trouble, as you can really make it difficult for yourself as we found out last year. Both Alastair and Josh have tested well and the new rules are no bad thing for the GSX-R1000, so let’s hope for the best.”

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