PATIENCE will be virtue for Tommy Bridewell as he gets to grips with his new TYCO BMW bike in the upcoming British Superbike Championship season.

The 26-year-old, from Etchilhampton, joined Northern Ireland-based BMW factory team TYCO, previously TAS and TYCO Suzuki, in the off-season and hits the track for the new year at Donington Park this weekend.

Bridewell, who earned a fine third-placed finish with Milwaukee Yamaha in the BSB last season, is out chasing more success under the TYCO banner but is erring on the side of caution as he, and the team behind him, get used to the shiny new tools as their disposal.

“I don’t think that we’re on our A-game yet and we’re not going to be blisteringly strong straight away because we have to get used to everything,” said the Wiltshire speedster.

“I’m starting from scratch and so are the team because they’ve been working with Suzukis for the last 15 years. It’s not like we can just whack in the settings – we need to iron them out and find out what works.

“But the bike has so much potential. Without a doubt, it’s one of the fastest out there.

“It’s great to be at a team where you can go out and work on all your own settings. I had a great year last season, finishing third on an underpowered bike, so who knows how well I could do now?

“We didn’t have the greatest time in testing at Donington last week but eight tenths behind Shakey (reigning champion Shane Byrne) isn’t bad at all.

“It may take us a few rounds to get where we want but I’m looking forward to it and I can’t wait to get out there.”