Tommy Bridewell knows all eyes will be on him as he returns to the British Superbike Championship next week.

The 19-year-old, from Etchilhampton, will rejoin Team NB two months after saying he wouldn't race again this year following the death of his brother and teammate Ollie.

The 21-year-old was killed in July in practice for round nine of the championship at Mallory Park.

But Tommy will race at Donnington next Saturday and Sunday. He realises it will be an emotional occasion, with mum Liz, dad Marcus and sister Charlotte all there to support him.

He said: "It is going to be hard work in practice on the Friday because there are going to be a lot of people watching me.

There will be quite a lot of publicity, which everyone wants, but this time it will be for the wrong reasons. I will have to put it out of my mind and race as I would normally do."

He believes the time is right to come back, especially if he wants to race next season. "It is a mean paddock, it is dog eat dog, so if I want to ride next year I have to race the last few," he said.

"It was a pretty easy decision because I knew I wanted to, that wasn't in question, it was just when I felt ready."

Tommy told the Gazette two weeks ago he was considering offers from different teams in BSB, World Superbikes and the British Supersport Championship but has decided to go back to Team NB.

He said: "I felt it was for the best, it is a set up I know. It is a bike I have been riding for the year and I can hop back on."

Team boss Norris Farrow welcomed Tommy's return.

"We needed to ensure Tommy was ready to hop back on the bike for the right reasons. What was important for us was he was coming back for himself," he said.

"It is a serious industry and if you are not emotionally prepared for it you risk hurting yourself.

"I am sure there will be a certain amount of emptiness in the garage because Ollie will not be there. But we are a family and have the support of each other."