Bridewell has little finger amputated

Quay Garage Honda rider Tommy Bridewell will miss round two of the 2010 MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship following an accident at Thruxton on Friday.

The 21-year-old set the tenth fastest time in the opening free practice session on the ex-Gregorio Lavilla Honda Fireblade but in the second session yesterday afternoon, he suffered a crash at the Club chicane.

After being treated by medics at the circuit, Bridewell was transferred to Salisbury Hospital where he underwent surgery on his damaged little finger on his right hand but he hopes to be back in action at round three of the series at Oulton Park on May 2-3.

"He'd lost a little bit of time in the early part of the session and was anxious to put in some fast laps but he touched the kerb on the entry into the corner and crashed out and his hand was trapped underneath the handlebar," explained his dad, Marcus.

"Although he walked away from the accident he soon realised there was a problem and once he'd been assessed by the medical team at the circuit, he was transferred to hospital where they amputated the finger late last night.

"The surgeon told him he might be out of action for up to six months, but he fully expects to be back at Oulton. He has to go back on Thursday to get it checked out again but providing all is OK and the bike can be repaired, we will be at Oulton Park."