BSB champion in surprise WorldSBK switch for 2026 with new Ducati team

One-time British Superbike champion Tommy Bridewell will make a surprise full-time debut in World Superbikes in 2026 with a new Ducati-backed team.

Bridewell, the 2023 BSB champion, was originally due to compete in the 2026 BSB season with the Superbike Advocates squad.

The Australian outfit was due to field Ducati machinery, marking a return for Bridewell to the Panigale V4 that he won the title on in 2023.

However, following a comment he made during a pre-season test about leaving the Ducati in full WorldSBK-spec, the Australian-owned Superbike Advocates squad submitted an entry to compete in the world championship.

That entry has now been confirmed, with Superbike Advocates and Bridewell set to join the series from round two in Portimao next month.

“It’s an opportunity I’ve never been given before,” Bridewell said.

“We were testing at Portimao and when the bikes arrived - full WorldSBK-spec - I made a jokey comment to the team to the effect of ‘wouldn’t it be nice to leave them like that and not have to remove all the electronics.’

“I think this gave the team food for thought, and before I knew it the entry was submitted and we were approved to compete in WorldSBK.

“A last-minute switch, but I couldn’t be more excited.

“I want to say a huge thank you to the team for the opportunity.

“I think it’s all coming together, and we’re in for an exciting year.

“Sure, I’ve got a lot to learn - I’ve been racing for many years and am going into the season as prepared as I’ve ever been, but I feel a bit like a rookie.

“I’m really looking forward to it though.

“I just couldn’t turn down this chance, and I really hope the BSB fans can get to some of the races and support me and the other British riders. Let’s see how we do.”

Superbike Advocates, owned by Australian Lee Khouri, steps up from the Australian Superbike Championship, where it finished fifth in 2025 with Glenn Allerton.

Bridewell has made several WorldSBK appearances over the years, first in 2019 as a replacement for Eugene Laverty for two rounds, scoring a best of 10th at Jerez.

He contested two rounds in 2024 and two in 2025, though didn’t score any points in these outings.