BSB: Tommy Bridewell to defend 2023 title with Honda Racing UK

Tommy Bridewell will defend his Bennetts British Superbike Championship crown with Honda Racing UK next season after opting to leave PBM Ducati.

The 2023 champion told MCN last month that he had three options on the table for 2024, and he’s now confirmed that he’ll be riding the all-new Fireblade alongside Andrew Irwin and Dean Harrison.

The decision brings Bridewell’s stint with PBM to an end after just one season, a campaign in-which he beat former teammate Glenn Irwin to top spot by half-a-point after enthralling campaign. The pair engaged in a fierce rivalry on and off the circuit as they battled to become champion for the first time.

“I am so excited to join such a prestigious brand, it is every rider’s dream to ride for Honda at some point and to bring with me the number 1 plate is just fantastic,” Bridewell said. “The timing feels right, I have achieved my championship goals and now I am entirely focused on defending the title. I am coming here to Honda to do just that, to win another championship.

“I have always made my decisions on instinct, and I always follow my gut, the opportunity here at Honda is something that I have always wanted to do, and it was an easy decision to make. I’ve chosen to come to Honda as I feel this is the best team to help me defend my championship. Getting to ride a new bike is also really motivating and I am proud to run the number 1 plate for next season.”

It’s another strong sign of intent for the factory Honda team after what was a disastrous 2023 campaign. Andrew Irwin missed the majority of the season after breaking his humerus at the Knockhill Test, whilst the team would fail to record a single podium.

Bridewell’s decision to join the team, and bring the number one plate, follows the news that Harrison will represent the team in BSB and on the roads. Meanwhile, Jack Kennedy will ride the new CBR600RR in the Supersport class, with John McGuinness and Nathan Harrison joining the latter’s namesake on the roads.

“Tommy is an enormously exciting rider and I am delighted to welcome him to Honda Racing UK,” Team Manager, Havier Beltran said. “His achievements in the 2023 season showcased his exceptional talent and I firmly believe that his addition to our team will contribute significantly to our pursuit of success.

“I am certainly not alone in saying that I cannot wait to see what he is capable of achieving on our new Fireblade. Our target in 2024 is clear, we are going racing to win and to fight for the title.”