Joe Brookes finally has the breakthrough result his speed has hinted at for some time. The British rider secured a superb second overall in the EMX250 class at the Portuguese Grand Prix, ending a 2,870-day wait for a British rider to stand on an EMX250 podium and rewarding the hard work of a small privateer outfit that only decided to make the trip to Agueda a few days before the event.
After going 4-3 for second overall, Brookes admits the podium experience was a whirlwind, but insists he doesn’t want one result to define his season. We caught up with the Honda rider to reflect on his emotional first European podium, the sacrifices made behind the scenes, adapting quickly to his new machine, his ambitions of stepping up to the MX2 World Championship in 2027, and why he’s determined this is only the beginning.
GateDrop: Joe, it’s been a long time coming but you now have an EMX250 podium to your name, how does that sound?!
Brookes: It sounds good to be honest…
GateDrop: How did it feel to stand on the podium for the first time in Europe?
Brookes: A little bit surreal to be honest, it was all a whirlwind after the finish and process I’ve never done, from getting cleaned up to MXGP staff pulling me to TV interviews it was all a little surreal. However, to stand on the podium as an EMX podium finisher was unbelievable, lost for words.
GateDrop: Just how much hard work has gone on behind the scenes for this to all happen? You are pretty much a privateer so a lot of hard work must go into this…
Brookes: A lot of work, we are a small ‘team’ seven people including me as the rider. The work from everyone behind the scenes for me to show up at this level is crazy. I nearly wasn’t going to Portugal, the decision was made Tuesday evening, then to show up and put it on the podium was just incredible. I’m grateful for the support of everyone that helps with the program.
GateDrop: It wasn’t that long ago that you switched to the Honda, you’ve pretty quickly adapted to the bike – what was your first impressions with the bike and have you made many changes to get comfortable?
Brookes: Yeah, honestly the bike and package is great. Working with people like 4Power & K-Tech Suspension have made this transition as smooth as possible. My Dad & Mechanic have worked hard behind the scenes to give me a great bike and allowed me to adapt quickly to the new bike.
GateDrop: In the second moto it’s not like you started up front, you had to make some passes during the first couple of laps. That must give you a lot of confidence?
Brookes: Yes, for sure. I think the first moto gave me the confidence and belief of what I can do. The second moto start wasn’t the best maybe around P12 but to pull through to P3 and make some good passes along the way has really given me some confidence going forward. This EMX250 is savage and you’ve got to take your opportunities when you can, I’ve raced the same riders for 4th and 5th this weekend as I have the previously for 20th at different GP’s.
GateDrop: You age out of EMX250 at the end of this year, are we likely to see you race the MX2 World Championship in 2027?
Brookes: I’d like to, and currently we have had some conversations around this but for now my focus is finishing this season out strong.
GateDrop: I guess ideally the plan would be for you to secure a spot on the team? But would you race the GP’s as a privateer if you have too?
Brookes: I mean, there are limited seats in MX2, to be on a team would be good however the package and team around me now to a great job and give me everything I need. I would happily take on the world with them (laughs).
GateDrop: What’s the goals for the rest of the season?
Brookes: Finish strong, I don’t want this podium to define my season. I’ve had this narrative played out already this season “only fast for a lap” and “can’t string two moto’s together” right now it’s back to work as normal and try to gain more valuable experience and bike time before the season is over.
GateDrop: You’ll race MX2 at Foxhills. How much are you looking forward to your home GP and what’s the goals for that one?
Brookes: I’m really excited for my home GP and my first MX2 GP. No goals just enjoy it and go and ride how I know I can. I’m looking forward to the schedule and some good times to go riding. I don’t think people realise how long an EMX Saturday can be from being on track at 07:30 to finishing race one a 15:30. It will be nice to have a nice schedule and enjoy the day.
