Even though Josh Brookes missed out on the 2019 Bennetts British Superbike title by only five points, he is already turning his thoughts to next season and the challenges that lie ahead.

There has been no official announcement from the Paul Bird team that Brookes will be staying for 2020 but the smart money is going on his retention by the Cumbrian chicken magnate.

The Australian did everything he could at the last round, winning all three races at Brands Hatch but he didn't catch any breaks and Scott Redding just edged him at the end.

“I came here with the objective of winning all three races and that’s exactly what I’ve done so I can’t not be happy with how this weekend has gone, it’s ultimately elsewhere where I’ve lost out on the championship," said Brookes.

"A championship is judged on the whole year, not just one weekend and there are opportunities at every round to get points.

There hasn’t been any time this year though where I don’t think I could have done better but I can’t deny the fact I’m disappointed not to be returning in 2020 with the number one plate.

"I’m looking forward to next season and although Scott won’t be figuring, there’ll always be someone to step up and there’ll be plenty more challenges ahead.”

It must be tough, though, for the Australian, as he was taken out of the Silverstone points by technical problems which were the only bike-based non-finishes for the team all year.