Silverstone BSB: Bike balance tweaks key for Bridewell

Even though Tommy Bridewell is not a big fan of testing, a programme of weight distribution changes over winter allied to new parts have given him the Oxford Racing Ducati he wants.

Bridewell topped the final Bennetts British Superbike test at Silverstone last week and goes into this weekend’s season opener in a positive state of mind even though it is a track that has never been good to him.

“We have had a really strong pre-season test for definite. Snetterton was frustrating for me as a rider; to be fair the team did tell me that we had a lot to test, and it wouldn’t be fun but it was crucial. Then we missed Donington Park because of the weather and then the two day test at Silverstone,” said Bridewell.

“The test at Silverstone was fundamental to be honest. We have a lot of new parts on the bike that we had to test and we found something at the last test as we had been experiencing a little issue.

“There were a lot of positives and one negative, but we continued riding on the last afternoon to fix it and we managed to, so because of that I am feeling really positive and strong coming into round one.

“Silverstone isn’t a strong circuit for me usually and I have to be honest, I wouldn’t say I am as confident going in to there as I am at some of the other tracks, but weirdly this year I am really looking forward to it.

“The new parts on the bike have fixed exactly what I wanted from last year and I am ready to get going this weekend.”

Team boss Steve Moore confirmed to bikesportnews.com the crew have been working a lot on weight distribution and had to have a new exhaust, fuel tank and subframe fabricated to accommodate the changes.