TOMMY Bridewell brought the curtain down on his 2011 MCE Insurance British Superbike campaign with his best return yet – then expressed a strong desire to be in the same paddock next year.

The 23-year-old spent the last four rounds of the year riding for Motorpoint Yamaha having amicably split with previous employers Tyco Honda after round five at Knockhill in June.

Bridewell’s best result for Tyco was a third during the curtain raiser at Brands Hatch in April and, while he didn’t get on the podium this time around, he did walk away with more points collected.

He took the chequered flag in 11th, seventh and 12th from the weekend’s three races and good enough for 18 points – and immediately set his sights on returning for more next season.

“I’d like to ride in BSB next year and maybe there are a few options but I’ve got to work hard this winter and try to get everything together,” said Bridewell.

“I’d love to stay with the boys at Motorpoint Yamaha and if I can – hopefully we’ll be back next year – and seeing what we can do.

“I think, deep down, the whole team know how strong of a whole season we perhaps could have had if it was this arrangement from start to finish.

“I’ve only had four rounds on this bike and the other boys have been racing all year on the same bikes. It was the first time I rode the bike in the wet at Brands and we were second fastest.

“Sometimes we’re having blinding results and good sessions, and other times we don’t, so I think if we had the whole year to equal it all out I think the podiums would definitely come mid-season.”

Swan Yamaha’s Michael Laverty won race one with Shane Byrne the victor in races two and three as Tommy Hill edged out John Hopkins to claim the overall title in a thrilling finale.

Bridewell finished 17th overall with 76 points and was pleased to have ended his season on a high with three solid finishes at Brands Hatch.

“We dug deep and worked hard over weekend and concentrated on getting good results so it was great to finish on the high and make everyone happy,” he added.

“I’ve learnt a lot mentally since riding with this team, I’ve learnt how to stay calm when it’s not going right and how to keep my head and it’s done me good.”

British Eurosport 2 will be broadcasting every round of the 2011 British Superbike Championship. The channel is available on Sky 411 & Virgin Media 525. Watch online via the Eurosport Player eurosportplayer.co.uk.

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