Tommy Bridewell says he is coming away from the first official pre-season test ahead of the 2024 Bennetts British Superbike Championship feeling relieved after showing steady gains en route to an eventual top five results on the timesheets.

The Devizes rider heads into the 2024 BSB season taking on a fresh challenge following his switch from PBM Ducati to Honda Racing UK for the defence of his title.

Significantly, the move sees him having to adapt to the rigours of riding an inline-four Honda CBR1000RR-R after five successful seasons aboard the V4-engined Ducati Panigale R.

Nevertheless, Bridewell was the rider to enjoy a steady upward trajectory over the course of the two day test at Donington Park, peaking with the second fastest time in the sixth and final session. That placed him fifth on the combined timesheets, a result he was pleased with.

“I feel really strong and I have really enjoyed riding the bike. I think for me there was quite a big transition to manage, I’ve spent five years with a different manufacturer and I’ve got a big number one on the bike which makes me a target. 

“Truthfully, I was sitting there at the start a little nervous but I feel like I’ve taken it all in my stride, I’ve got my head down, didn’t get flustered or panicked by lap times and we just chipped away with the bike and worked through our program. 

“We’ve tried so many different things and learnt so much about the way the bike works which has been super valuable. 

“I feel heading to Navarra we will focus a little more on electronics and work on them, chassis though I feel really good about. We are always striving to improve, even when we are fastest so that’s the target, but I feel we are in a good position.”