BSB: Bridewell 'buzzing' after first laps with Halsall Suzuki

It might be early days for the 2018 Bennetts British Superbike Championship but there’s a smile back on the face of Tommy Bridewell after his first few sessions on the Movuno.com Halsall Suzuki.

The outspoken West countryman was uncharacteristically quiet in 2017 as he endured a tough season with the WD40 Kawasaki squad, but he is confident of improvements this season after just two days on track with the Halsall team in Cartagena.

While Bridewell admits his lap times weren’t particularly quick on the first day, he was pleased with the overall feel of the team that sees him re-united with the Italian crew he worked with back in his Supersonic BMW days.  

“It’s nice to be smiling again and enjoy riding a motorbike,” he told MCN at the track.

“You obviously doubt yourself and your own ability after a tough year, but this year I’m back with the Halsall team and it’s just phenomenal, I love riding for them. It’s so much fun, nobody takes it too seriously when we don’t have to – it’s almost like a group of mates going testing.

“I’ve got my Italian crew back – minus Stefano Cerrachi who will be with us for the season as my crew chief but isn’t here as his Dad unfortunately passed away – and they help me so much and point out things I’m doing wrong that I wouldn’t have even considered.

“I’m a marmite character, you ever love me or hate me, but I’ve always been an outspoken character, I like having fun, I like being heard before you can see me but last year I retreated into something I didn’t think was possible! I kept myself to myself, kept my head down, got on with it and went home. Times like that are difficult when you devote your life to racing motorbikes – everyone has to deal with me back at home!

“I’ve not even had two days on this bike and I’m completely buzzing, it all just feels completely different. My arms are aching, but I feel good and it’s great to know that I should be able to be strong this year.”