Tommy Bridewell has returned to a hobby he first picked up over 10 years ago during his debut WorldSBK season.

The 2023 BSB champion is making his first season in WorldSBK as a full-time rider this year with the Superbike Advocates Ducati team, but has found time to return to flying in the time between races.

Bridewell began learning to fly privately in 2015, but by 2026 he hadn’t flown in four years due to a variety of factors, but he’s been able to get back in the sky this year.

“Not many people know this, but I first started flying back in 2015,” Bridewell said, speaking to WorldSBK.com.

“I wanted to get my private pilot's licence but then things got crazy with the pandemic, my racing and various commitments. 

“I hadn't flown since maybe 2022, but I’ve recently got back into it and is something I really enjoy. 

“We also do property renovations and stuff like that – there’s always something going on!”

Bridewell’s debut full-time WorldSBK season has seen him take a best result of fifth so far, that coming twice, first at Aragon and then again at Donington. He and the Superbike Advocates team joined the championship a round late due to a late decision to race in the world championship rather than BSB, but have become competitive with most of the other satellite Ducati teams in the first part of the season.

The Wiltshire rider and the rest of the WorldSBK field will be back on track for the next round at Magny-Cours on 4–6 September.