Less than one week after announcing that he is leaving the PBM Ducati team, Tommy Bridewell has confirmed that he will compete in the 2024 British Superbike Championship with Honda Racing UK.
That means Bridewell will be riding a third Honda UK-prepared 2024 CBR1000RR-R Fireblade next season, alongside Andrew Irwin and Dean Harrison, who complete the BSB line-up.
Bridewell brings the 2023 British Superbike title to Honda, which will have a defending BSB champion on one of its bikes for the first time since Ryuichi Kiyonari defended the 2010 title. The 2011 season became the most famous in BSB history, culminating in that final race duel between Tommy Hill and John Hopkins at Brands Hatch. Bridewell, of course, will be hoping for a more successful defence than Kiyonari’s 2011 effort, and he will do it while wearing the #1 plate.
Tommy Bridewell said: “I am so excited to join such a prestigious brand, it is every rider's dream to ride for Honda at some point and to bring with me the number 1 plate is just fantastic. The timing feels right, I have achieved my championship goals and now I am entirely focused on defending the title. I am coming here to Honda to do just that, to win another championship.
“I have always made my decisions on instinct and I always follow my gut, the opportunity here at Honda is something that I have always wanted to do and it was an easy decision to make. I’ve chosen to come to Honda as I feel this is the best team to help me defend my championship. Getting to ride a new bike is also really motivating and I am proud to run the number 1 plate for next season.”
Havier Beltran, Honda Racing UK Team Manager, added: “Tommy is an enormously exciting rider and I am delighted to welcome him to Honda Racing UK. His achievements in the 2023 season showcased his exceptional talent and I firmly believe that his addition to our team will contribute significantly to our pursuit of success.
“I am certainly not alone in saying that I cannot wait to see what he is capable of achieving on our new Fireblade. Our target in 2024 is clear, we are going racing to win and to fight for the title.”
Bridewell will begin his BSB title defence and Honda Racing UK career at the Navarra circuit in Spain, where BSB will hold an official test prior to the opening round of the 2024 season scheduled for 20-21 April.
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