Brand Hatch held the fifth round of the 2025 British Superbike Championship this weekend, with Tommy Bridewell pledging to leave a “no-stone flip” while searching for improvements on the Honda CBR100RRR-R.
Bridewell competed in the UK World Superbike Round in the race gap at Knock Hill and Brand Hatch, crashing from Race 1 and Race 2, but finished 18th in the Superpole Race.
This weekend (July 25-27), the 2023 BSB champion will return to the circuit where he has appeared on either side of the title battle he has fought closely in the past two seasons after the Knockhill Round, where he saw him on the podium in Race 1.
“I was delighted to have the opportunity to ride the World Superbike Championship Round at Donington Park, rather than sitting at home for my final weeks, and to have the perfect fit for my teammate’s pace throughout the weekend,” Bridewell ahead of the brand’s hatch race this weekend.
“Now we’re back to BSB. We have great memories from the brand hatch, from lifting the championship title in 2023, and these days it’s probably one of the best races in the history of British superbikes for the championship.
“It’s two half circuits for me. Honda worked very hard in certain areas of the circuit and struggled a bit in other areas, so I think it’s very difficult to predict performance in advance this year if it’s honest.
“Snetterton was clearly a very strong round and then we went into Knock Hill, which was fine, but the weather certainly made it much more difficult.
“I think it’s always the case from my side. We’re not turning the stones over. We’re working hard and trying to find solutions to make our bikes even better so that we can be where we want to be.”
Irwin: Knockhill’s top 10 “gifted something to work on the team.”
Andrew Irwin arrives at Brand Hatch, who was in the top 10 twice in the last Knock Hill.
Northern Ireland riders say this should give them a little more base to build with the brand hatch this weekend.
“I can be positive about my final round at Knock Hill. Three solid finishes are what I need to get back under my belt and they did the work for the team, so I’m confident I’ll get to the brand hatch,” he said.
“There are some changes and maybe some new parts, and I look forward to it.
“I have also earned quite a few podiums for the brand over the years, including superbikes and supersports.
“It’s a track you’ve always enjoyed. Where is Honda always competitive, Tommy (Bridewell) and I were on the podium together last year.
“I feel really good. We just take a good step and keep the people in front of us moving.
“I think it’s better to get your bad luck at the beginning of the year than at the second half of the season. Starting this weekend, we’ll be able to achieve a lot in the upcoming races.”