Broc Parkes' MotoGP dream realised

Broc Parkes was a wildcard in the 125 GP class at the 1999 Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix at Phillip Island. Now, almost 15 years after that one-off ride, he is returning to the grand prix paddock full-time in 2014 on an Aprilia-engined Paul Bird Motorsport machine.

"It was a long time ago (in 1999)!" he laughs. "I was racing in the Australian championship on an (Aprilia) RS125, won in that and had a wildcard at the GP. It was a bit of an experience; I think we were 20 or more kilometres down on the straight, so it was a little bit difficult! It’s always a dream to be in GP."

In 2013, PBM modified its line-up from Aragón onwards, with Parkes’ compatriot Damian Cudlin filling the breach as Yonny Hernandez moved to Pramac Racing. At the time, Parkes was offered the position but was unable to accept it.

"Paul Bird is a good friend of mine," the 32-year-old continues. "I have been friends with him for many years and rode for him in World Superbikes in 2009, and then kept the relationship. He mentioned this to me last year, but I was contracted to Yamaha at the time (Ed: he eventually won the FX-Superbike title for them) and couldn’t fill in for an injured rider.

He then rang me at the end of last year and it happened really quickly. He said to me: ‘It’s going to be a difficult year. You’re not going to be winning races but you’re on the right page. It’s a good opportunity – are you up for it?’ I am for sure up for it and I’m really excited."

Parkes, a two-time world supersport runner-up, becomes the new team-mate to Northern Ireland’s Michael Laverty.