British talent Joe Brookes has confirmed a significant mid-season change for the remainder of his 2026 campaign, with the MX2 rider switching from Triumph machinery to Honda as he looks to push forward in both the British Championship and the ultra-competitive EMX250 series.
Despite the bike change, Brookes will continue operating under his own privateer structure, with the close-knit team around him remaining unchanged. The young rider has shown flashes of serious potential throughout the season and believes the switch could provide the stability needed to consistently challenge near the front.
Brookes revealed that he has already begun testing on the Honda and immediately felt comfortable aboard the new machine.
“Yes, I’m on a Honda now, had my first real day on it today (Wed 6th May), I did test one before Lyng thanks to my personal sponsor Mark Skuse of Domestic Drains Services and really liked it. I’m currently loading up the van to head out testing with K-Tech Suspension for two days to get comfy. The Triumph I enjoyed however it’s let me down a couple of times this season and cost me a potential podium in Arco (EMX250). We are a small team, and everyone puts in 110% for me to be on the line, and to be let down by the bike issue hurts everyone not just me”, Brookes told GateDrop.com.
While the transition is still in its early stages, Brookes is optimistic about the potential of the new package and the support network around him.
“I mean, it’s at ground zero right now. Like I said I’ve ridden it in anger as you’d say for one day, but so far so good. I’m grateful that the people in my corner have some of the best contacts to help build me a good bike. As I mentioned I’m testing with K-Tech for the next two days and then out with Ryan from 4Power next week before heading to Landrake”.
Although the results in Europe may not yet fully reflect his pace, Brookes feels there have been encouraging signs throughout the EMX250 campaign and remains confident that things are beginning to come together.
“On paper the results do not read brilliant in Europe, I’m aware of this. However, we have had positives to take from each round I believe and it’s slowly starting to click. EMX250 is a war zone, and a good start is key, I’m going to continue working hard with Ash Wilde (RMJ) & Alan Milway to maximise the rest of this season”.
The Brit made it clear that his ambitions remain high for the remainder of the year, both domestically and internationally.
“The goal is to win. I mean this is everyone’s goal, right?! I’d love to get into the top three for the British Championship and only three points behind currently, my DNF at round one has made the championship a little harder work, but it not over yet. With EMX250… I’m all in for a podium this season, after Italy I know it possible I just need to execute on the day”.
Brookes also confirmed plans to line up at the British round of the MX2 World Championship at Foxhill, where he hopes to gain further experience against the world’s best.
“I’ll be on the line at Foxhill to race the MX2 World Championship and I’m excited to get stuck in. It’ll just be nice to ride my bike at a sensible time for once (laughs). I’ll maybe try and tick off another MX2 GP seeing how the season is going etc”, concluded Brookes.
With fresh motivation, a new bike beneath him and key testing days ahead, Brookes now enters an important phase of the season determined to convert potential into results. If the Honda package delivers the consistency he’s been searching for, the second half of the campaign could yet prove to be a breakthrough period for the ambitious British rider and someone not scared to take on the best in Europe.
