Tommy Bridewell ends his first season with Honda Racing UK as the British Superbike (BSB) runner-up after losing out on a second title by one point.
The 2024 British Superbike season saw Tommy Bridewell surrender his British Championship. However, despite being written off before the 2024 season, Bridewell did not go down without a fight.
After five years with Ducati, Bridewell made the unexpected switch to Honda Racing UK. After this announcement, the 2023 BSB Champion was ruled out of the title fight before a lap was completed.
The criticism that Bridewell received before the 2024 season seemed to motivate the reigning Champion for this season.
After the final race, Bridewell said: "Everyone told me we were going to get smoked, that I was mad leaving Ducati and that I only joined Honda for the money. I have seen every comment, every pundit, every expert and every ex-racer telling me that I am crazy. Maybe they are a bit out of touch with their pundit skills.
"I am super proud, everyone had written me off before I even rode the bike. The conversation with Harv and Honda UK filled me with confidence and I believed in the project. I had spent five years with Ducati so for me to be able to jump on an inline-four, a new Honda, a new team and to take the Championship down to the wire like it did today. Honestly, of course, I am disappointed, I am a racer why would I not be? In some aspects what have I got to be disappointed with?"
'For my first year with Honda, we have so much to be proud of.'
Bridewell was ultimately beaten to the 2024 British Superbike Championship by Kyle Ryde. However, Bridewell and Honda fought until the final lap where they lost out on the Championship by one point.
"Kyle (Ryde) is the British Champion and I will take nothing away from him," Bridewell said after Race Three at Brands Hatch. "He rode a flawless year, his team have done a phenomenal job, and credit to him. I think for my first year with Honda we have so much to be proud of because ultimately we were defeated by one point. There was nothing more I could give and I am proud of that. What could I have done differently this year to have given me one more point?
"As a racer, you look at 'what if I did not crash at Oulton, what if the bike did not break down there?' but that is life, I knew the process. What I am proud of is that I knew for me to stand in this position, my job started at Race One in Navarra. Consistency was key, I knew that for me on a new bike consistency would be key. For me to be able to adapt and understand that from the offset I am proud, really proud.
"Like I said, everyone had written me off, so to lose the Championship by one point I hold my head high. I look at the year as a phenomenal success, I am happy with Honda and I am proud of what they have given me. We need to get a handle on a few weaker areas of the bike, I know what is happening behind the scenes. I know that what is coming next year will be a massive force to be reckoned with."
'On my day it takes a very strong rider to beat me...'
The 2025 season will see four British Superbike Champions lineup on the grid. This is something the 2023 British Superbike Champion is looking forward to as he looks to add to his tally.
"I think you will see many British Champions on the grid wanting to add to their tally," Bridewell stated. "Brad (Ray) coming back is going to bring another element to it, he is coming back on the Yamaha which is a proven package. He has taken the safe option let's say!
"I know on my day it takes a very strong rider to beat me and that is why I rode at my best today. I was a little bit weak in the straights, but Kyle (Ryde) did not break and that is why I am happy for him. Next year you'll have Kyle (Ryde) on the grid, Brad (Ray) on the grid, myself on the grid, and Josh Brookes on the grid. There are so many British Superbike Champions on the grid for next year and what can I say it will make for a hell of a year."
