JOSH CLOSE
Tommy Bridewell’s upwards trajectory with Honda continues with Knockhill win
INSIGHT
Going behind the headlines in the 2024 BSB series
People who questioned Tommy Bridewell’s move to Honda Racing UK at the start of the year are quickly being made to eat their words. The reigning champion’s consistent start to life on the Fireblade took yet another step on Saturday when he produced a dominant display to win as a Honda rider for the first time. It was Bridewell’s first-ever success at Knockhill, and Honda’s first since Michael Laverty’s 2012 win.
The stats get better. Bridewell’s double podium finish in Sunday’s races takes him to six consecutive visits to the rostrum, the first Honda rider to achieve that feat since Alex Lowes during his title-winning campaign in 2013.
Despite crossing the Scottish border 22 points behind in the standings, Bridewell now leads the way with an 11-point advantage over fierce rival Glenn Irwin.
“It’s like anything, the podiums have been mega but getting that first win, and getting that monkey off your back, is always nice,” Bridewell told MCN. “To get the win so early in the season is a credit to Honda. I put a lot of pressure on Honda, when they are away with the roads, I make no secret of it, but the roads don’t concern me, it doesn’t benefit me in some respects.
“I’m on their arse when they’re at the TT, ‘Where are we with engine development? I want this, I want that, I expect it for Knockhill…’.
I push them hard because it’s my job to push Honda to the absolute limit and I don’t feel bad for doing it because they’ve employed me to do this, and I know what it takes.”
Bridewell’s confidence is only going to get stronger as he gels further with the Honda. He’s already starting to look very comfortable, and looks in control in all conditions. His performance in the dry on Saturday was s
