STK: Bridewell on record breaking pace

Tommy Bridewell has staked his claim for the 2009 Superstock 1000 title by setting record breaking pace during testing at Cartegena.

Bridewell is among a huge entry list for this year's Superstock series and was taking part in a pre-season test for Lorenzini by Leoni, alongside team-mate Niccolo Rosso and Supersport counterpart Michele Pirro.

Remarkably though, Bridewell lapped considerably faster than either rider, producing a best time of 1min 35.1secs, while Rosso and Pirro came in with times of 1min 37.5secs and 1min 35.5secs respectively.

A lap record for the class, Bridewell is delighted to be straight on the pace with the Yamaha team.

"We had so much to test during the three days, I was hardly ever off the bike and to set my fastest lap when the conditions were not ideal was very satisfying.

"We tested suspension, tyres and got a good base setting and I have to say, this bike is absolutely fantastic. It's so responsive, fast and it handles really well, I reckon it's going to be the bike to beat this year."

Tommy will run under number 46 this season, his late brother Ollie's traditional race number, and the team is planning another test at Valencia in mid-March before the opening round of the FIM 1000 Superstock Cup at the same track on April 5th.