Oxford Ducati’s Tommy Bridewell believes he is ready for fight for Bennetts British Superbike podiums and will take advantage of the fact that riders like Scott Redding are still behind the eight-ball when it comes to track knowledge.

The Devizes rider ended last week’s Oulton test in third overall and is full of confidence heading into this weekend’s brace of races at the Cheshire track after a promising weekend at the Silverstone opener.

“It was obviously a very mixed weekend at Silverstone and I don’t think we really expected to turn the weekend around as much as we did in the end,” said the strawberry blonde rider.

“The collision with Farmer put us back a little in terms of track time but the expense of it was really disappointed for the whole team - it was a blow but we bounced back. I just didn’t expect it to be as much as we did as Silverstone hasn’t always suited me and my riding style in the past.

The pace we had at Silverstone came easier than I expected and the new Ducati is quite tyre friendly so that was one less concern to have in the races.

“We had a good feeling with the lap in qualifying and then to get into the mid 54s the whole race was good. We saw the same at the test; our fastest lap was on part worn tyres that had done 15 or 16 laps already but we still have to work on getting the best out of a new tyre.

“Every bike I have ridden at Oulton Park has always been a handful but the V4 R felt a bit easier to ride. We still have a lot of work to do but you can only judge our progress by everyone else around us. We were in the top three at the test and the conditions were a bit hit and miss but as far as the new bike felt at Oulton Park I was quietly surprised.”

Bridewell is currently third in the championship chase after the opening two rounds and has always been fast at Oulton Park.

I genuinely believe, and I don’t want to talk out of turn, but I am here to fight for the championship. We came away with a perfect start at Silverstone, two good results and good points on the board. I expect to be fighting for wins; I know Josh will be fast, we saw that at the test but you just can’t single one or two riders out in BSB.

“In my opinion I think Oulton Park might see a completely different result. We need another good, strong weekend at Oulton Park because we need to be getting the points at circuits where riders like Scott and Xavi will have a tougher time.

“We need to make hay while the sun shines and I think if we keep working as we are then we are ready to fight for podiums next weekend.”

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