A British Superbike Champion's Unexpected World Stage: The 2026 Ducati Adventure
The world of Superbike racing is abuzz with news of a surprising move. Tommy Bridewell, the 2023 British Superbike (BSB) champion, is set to make a full-time debut in the World Superbike (WorldSBK) championship in 2026 with a twist of fate and a new team.
Bridewell was initially expected to continue his reign in the BSB with the Superbike Advocates, an Australian team planning to use Ducati bikes. This would have marked a reunion with the Panigale V4, the very bike he rode to victory in 2023.
But here's where it gets interesting: during a pre-season test, Bridewell jokingly suggested keeping the Ducati in its full WorldSBK specification, and not altering it for the BSB. This lighthearted comment sparked a chain of events that led to the Superbike Advocates submitting an entry for the WorldSBK championship instead!
And the entry was successful! The team, along with Bridewell, will join the WorldSBK series from round two in Portimao, Portugal, next month. This unexpected turn of events has left Bridewell thrilled and grateful.
"It's a brand-new challenge I've never faced before," he said. "A simple joke about the bike's electronics led to this incredible opportunity. I'm both excited and a bit nervous, as I have a lot to learn, but I'm ready to take on the world stage."
This isn't Bridewell's first dance with WorldSBK; he's had several appearances since 2019, filling in for other riders. However, this is his first full-time commitment, and he's eager to make his mark.
The Superbike Advocates, owned by Australian Lee Khouri, are no strangers to success, having finished fifth in the 2025 Australian Superbike Championship. With Bridewell's talent and the team's ambition, they're poised to make a strong impression in the WorldSBK.
Will Bridewell's story inspire other BSB riders to aim for the world stage? And what impact will this surprise switch have on the 2026 WorldSBK championship? Only time will tell. But one thing's for sure: the world of Superbike racing just got a lot more exciting!
