TOMMY Bridewell has headed east to restart his racing career as he prepares to take part in the Suzuka Eight-Hours in Japan at the end of the month.

The Etchilhampton rider has landed a works-supported Suzuki ride for the 2018 running of the endurance event, which runs for eight hours consecutively with teams comprising of two or more riders who alternate during pitstops.

The 29 year old, who was abruptly released from his contract with the Halsall Racing team in the British Superbike Championship last month, is currently in Japan testing with the S-Pulse Dream Racing team ahead of the race which starts on July 29.

Bridewell told biksportnews: “I’m out here at the minute doing the two official Suzuki tests, then I will fly home before coming back again for the race. Yoshimura Suzuki helped put this deal together for me, so a big thanks to them.

“I contacted them to see about options and they were very keen to have me at Suzuka on a Suzuki.

"At that time, the the factory places were filled but luckily for me the S-Pulse team is officially supported by Yoshimura, so they get Bridgestone tyres.

“The Yoshmiura guys told me there is very little difference between the bikes, which is nice for my confidence and it looks like a strong package. I’m looking forward to getting going and thanks to Suzuki for keeping their faith.”