Laverty and Bridewell spearhead Tyco BMW switch

As reported some months ago by MCN, returning MotoGP racer Michael Laverty and MCE British Superbike championship podium finisher Tommy Bridewell will spearhead Northern Irish team Tyco Racing’s switch from Suzuki to BMW machinery.

Laverty, who returns to BMW from two seasons in MotoGP on Paul Bird’s Aprilia, will return to a team he’s had much success with in the past, including winning the British Supersport title back in 2009.

“I’m delighted to be back in the TAS Racing fold for 2015; this time with a new manufacturer in BMW Motorrad behind us. It’s a very exciting time for both myself and the team: we are both new to the BMW S 1000 RR but it is a bike built for the race track and I believe we have all the ingredients required to deliver the BSB title.

“I’m very motivated about my move back to BSB. I’ve spent the last two seasons in MotoGP and feel I’m a much stronger rider thanks to that experience, both on the riding and the technical side. I’ve really missed not being on a machine capable of delivering wins and podiums, so I’m already daydreaming about the battles ahead with Shakey and Co. next season.”

He’ll link up with Wiltshire rider Tommy Bridewell, who impressed many in the BSB paddock by taking an underpowered Milwaukee Yamaha to third in the championship ahead of teammate Josh Brookes in 2014. A big BMW fan, Bridewell brings experience of the bike to the team.

“I’m really excited to be joining Tyco BMW for next season. I’ve met the team and they are a great bunch of guys and having ridden the BMW before, and watched what Kiyo was able to do on it this season, I know we will have as competitive a package as anyone on the BSB grid in 2015. In 2012 I put a standard BMW into the top six, so with factory support and the help of everyone at Tyco BMW, the goal is to be challenging regularly at the front and winning more races. I’m also looking forward to working with Michael as he has a lot of experience both in BSB and with the team. So I’m now counting down the days to the first test.”

The team will be completed on the circuit front by double British champion Alastair Seeley, who will be seeking to win the National Superstock 1000 series on the new for 2015 BMW S1000RR.

Seeley will also ride at the North West 200, while both Guy Martin and William Dunlop will remain with the team for the international road racing season.