A TOP five placing is the aim of Taree's Josh Hook in his debut year in the Japanese Superbike Championship.
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Hook, 22, is back on a brief sabbatical from Japan after contesting the opening two rounds of the series.
He's currently sitting in sixth spot and believes improving this by at least one place by season's end is a real possibility.
Hook signed to race in Japan with Honda late last year at the end of the Australasian Superbike Series where he managed a fifth placing overall, despite missing the opening round through injury.
"We know this is going to be a development year,'' Hook said earlier in the week.
"But I'm really happy with the way things are going at the moment.''
It was always his plan to head home after the opening two rounds for some R and R.
"It's good to have a bit of a break,'' he said earlier this week before heading to the Gold Coast.
"When I go back I'll be there for three months.''
He leaves for Japan on May 18.
Hook said he's quickly adapting to racing on new tracks, although he has dabbled in the Japanese Superbikes with on-off appearances in the last two years. Hook and his team are confident of a solid campaign.
"We're moving forward,'' he said.
"But it's a matter of time. If I can stay consistent and have a bit of luck I'm sure I can finish at least fifth in the championship.
"I just have to keep chipping away. Like I said, it's a matter of time.''
Hook is based in Suzuka, not far from the track.
He's had no great trouble adapting to the Japanese lifestyle.
"It's a good culture and good people,'' he said.
"I'm loving it.''
However, he was quick to respond when asked about the night life in his new home.
"I don't know much about it,'' he said.
"I'm there to do a job.''
Hook said the Japanese Superbikes is 'totally different' to what he was used to racing in Australia. He is sure it will assist in his development as a rider.
However, his stay in Japan could be only temporary no matter what he achieves this year.
He said his plans for 2016 are 'up in the air.'
"We'll be looking at a world championship or maybe racing in Europe,'' he explained.
"But it's too early yet to say what might happen. I have a job to do in Japan and that's what I'll be concentrating on.''
Local fans will see Hook in action at the Bayliss Classic to be held at the Old Bar Roadside Circuit next January.
