Step forward drives Bridewell to maiden WorldSBK top ten

Tommy Bridewell notched up his maiden World Superbike Championship top ten finish in Jerez to bring a positive end to weekend that ‘started badly’.

The Briton, deputising again for the injured Eugene Laverty at Team Goeleven, struggled initially to find a comfortable setting on the Ducati Panigale V4R around the sweeping Spanish circuit, but reeled off a trio of top 15 results, including two scores.

Peaking with an ascending run from 16th to tenth position in race two, marking his first-ever top ten finish of the year, Bridewell was pleased to conclude the weekend better than it started.

"Sunday was a much better day for us, we understand the best position for my riding style and make the bike much better for me,” he said. “The feeling was very good in the two races today and I’m very happy with the team work. I want to say a massive thanks to Team Goeleven for this great opportunity I’ve enjoyed a lot."

Team manager Denis Sacchetti was pleased with the way Bridewell conducted himself over the weekend following the tough beginning.

“We have proven to be a strong and united Team, succeeding in turning around a really bad start of the weekend. Tommy is a great rider, he knows what he wants. The difficulties of Friday, caused by the lack of experience on this bike and track didn't make him sad; he worked hard and managed to lead a weekend in continuous progression, up to the final top ten, which was our goal.

“Thank you for accepting the challenge, Tommy, and for best replacing Eugene in these races!”

Bridewell will now turn his attentions to round four of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship aboard the Oxford Racing Ducati.