Tommy Bridewell will remain with the recently-renamed Oxford Ducati team for next season’s Bennetts British Superbike series and says he knows there will be a lot of work to do with the new Panigale V4R.

Bridewell joined the team halfway through last year after finding himself out of a job and everything clicked into place with Steve Moore’s sarcasm-based operation but Bridewell is under no illusions about the task ahead.

“I am just so excited to have this opportunity to stay with the team and to ride the new Ducati in our new Oxford colours. I joined the team halfway through last season, but the way we ended the season, and how well we gelled working together, it felt like it had been longer. I have never felt so comfortable and going into the new season with this consistency and confidence with the people around me is a big thing,” said Bridewell.

“There is a huge amount of expectation with a new bike and I can’t wait to get testing. We are realistic that we have work ahead of us, that is always to be expected with a new bike, but it’s an exciting time and I couldn’t be happier to be in this position.

“I was so nervous before riding a Ducati for the first time last year at Brands Hatch and then the season went from strength to strength and we were fighting for podiums. We want to carry that success into the new season and of course our expectations have changed, so we want to continue this momentum we have and build on an even better 2019.”