Tommy Bridewell is in a positive mood ahead of his WorldSBK debut, following a test last week in Portimao.

Bridewell rode on both days of the test and was the only WorldSBK rider to set a lap time on both Monday and Tuesday last week in what was his and the Superbike Advocates Ducati team’s first test since the announcement that they would be entering the series, and not BSB, in 2026, albeit from the second round onwards having been too late to make the season opener at Phillip Island in February.

It was a test that the 2023 BSB champion left with positive conclusions about the bike and team.

“The feeling on the bike is absolutely fantastic, even considering that the conditions have been challenging to say the least,” said Bridewell, speaking to WorldSBK.com.

“We were working on a lot of electronic stuff; they are practically brand-new bikes. There are some calibrations and a lot of electronics work to be done. 

“For me, we’re in a really, really great position with our project. The team and the whole infrastructure have really come alive. 

“I think we’re a lot further along than we had maybe initially anticipated, so it feels great to be a part of that.”

Thinking about the 2026 season as a whole, Bridewell added: “I think the objective for this upcoming 2026 season for me is to enjoy it and build throughout the course of the year. 

“I feel that we are capable of having a great season. I feel we’re capable of doing a great job.

“We need to be realistic at the same time, though; we just need to maintain our focus on building progressively every week.”