Tyco Honda and Bridewell part company

Tyco Honda and Tommy Bridewell have announced that they have parted company.

A joint statement issued by the Quay Garage Tyco Honda and Bridewell stated:

“After a promising start which included a podium in the very first race of the season at Brands Hatch in April, Bridewell has struggled since due to a number of factors and following a discussion with team owner Ian Woollacott, it was decided it was in both Tom’s and the team’s best interests to go their separate ways prior to round six of the series getting underway at Snetterton this weekend.”

Tommy Bridewell said: “I’m disappointed it hasn’t worked out after a great start to the season but we’ve really struggled since. I’ve had some issues with the handling of the bike which the team has done their best to help with but we realised that it was perhaps better to call it a day. I’d like to thank the team for the opportunity and wish them continued success in the future.”

Ian Woollacott, Team Owner said: “Its a shame that Tommy has been unable to replicate the success he had for us in the first round as we know him to be a very talented rider. We have had some great moments in the past and I wish him all the very best for the future.

“Tyco Honda will continue with Peter Hickman in the 2011 MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship and Patric Muff in the Mirror.co.uk BSB-EVO series. Tom will now explore other options both in Europe as well as the UK and hopes to be back on a competitive motorcycle again soon.”

The relationship soured after Bridewell failed to get to grips with the ex-HM Plant Honda. He finished on the podium at Brands in the opening race of the season but has since failed to recapture that form. He has endured several major crashes this year, which has hit the team budget but, worse still, has suffered a loss of confidence in the bike since.

He admitted to MCN at Knockhill that he couldn’t put his finger on why he was not comfortable with chassis set-up of the bike while his team-mate Peter Hickman was able to rack up consistent finishes, one of which saw him on the podium at Thruxton.