TOMMY Bridewell is hoping a new-found freedom will guide him to a successful campaign in the British Superbike Championship.

After finishing outside of the top six last term, the 28-year-old decided to change teams and sign for GR Motorsport for his 10th season.

Bridewell, from Etchilhampton near Devizes, believes his new surroundings will enable him to challenge for podium finishes over the course of the year.

“The new team have been really good. I’ve enjoyed pre-season testing and working with them so far, it has been very positive,” said the 28-year-old.

“The crew are on my wavelength. They’re there for the enjoyment and the fun as well as the serious side to it.

“Last year was a very good season with the machine we had. I’ve been very fortunate to fall in with Brent (Gladwin, managing director) and his team.

“They let me be who I am and ride the way I want, which is the best way for me to ride. I don’t like being controlled, it isn’t my environment.”

With winter out of the way, Bridewell is raring to get back on the track and, having finished third in the 2014 season, the racer sees no reason why he shouldn’t aim for the championship.

To be a contender, a quick start could be crucial, with the opening round at Donington Park this weekend.

“I’m looking forward to getting going. It’s been a long old winter off really. The season comes and goes so fast and then before you know it you’re back in the winter,” added the Wiltshire racer.

“It’s just a big circle rolling on but I am looking forward to getting the first round of the season under my belt.

“Ideally, we will come away with two point-scoring performances because that is what we need.

“With the level of competition, even though we haven’t started the first round yet, you have got to think about the championship early on.

“You can’t afford to have a slow start, you need to be strong from the offset and take it from there really.

“My target is to try and win the British Superbike Championship, but we have to take each step as it comes.”

Bridewell will also be aboard a brand-new Kawasaki ZX-10RR, something he has revelled in so far.

He said: “I’m really enjoying the new Kawasaki. The ZX-10RR is a really strong package, to be honest. It is all going well, to be fair.

“I think it suits my riding style. I raced with a road one a few years ago and we were straight on the podium so I am looking forward to taking off from where we left off with that.”