BSB: Tommy Bridewell joins Honda for title defence

Reigning British Superbike Champion, Tommy Bridewell will race for Honda in 2024.

Tommy Bridewell will switch teams and manufacturers next season, joining forces with Honda Racing UK. He will race with the number one plate next season and is aiming to defend his title.

With the addition of Bridewell, it means Honda Racing UK will have a three-rider line-up next season in BSB. He joins Andrew Irwin and Dean Harrison in the team, in an incredibly strong line-up. Jack Kennedy has also signed for Honda, racing the new CBR600RR in British Supersport.

Bridewell previously admitted to Motorsport Radio that he was in talks with Ducati, Honda, and BMW.

Watch the full interview here:

If Bridewell were to win the title, he would become the first to win consecutive BSB titles on different manufacturers. Running the number one plate next year allows Bridewell to become the first rider to defend number one since 2007. Ryuichi Kiyonari won the 2007 Championship with Honda Racing UK, winning with the number one plate.

Tommy Bridewell took eight race wins in 2023, claiming a total of 18 podiums with PBM Ducati. The Championship went down to the final race of the season and was decided between Bridewell and Glenn Irwin.

Bridewell said: “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.

“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.”

Havier Beltran, Honda Racing UK Team Manager, commented: “Tommy is an enormously exciting rider and I am delighted to welcome him to Honda Racing UK. 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.”

Image credit: Honda Racing UK