Tommy Bridewell crashed in both WorldSBK races held at Magny-Cours on Sunday, with both events interrupted by red flags. The weekend ended with the Superbike Advocates rider declared unfit after Race 2, following multiple contusions and a suspected concussion.

A difficult route through Race 1

Bridewell started Race 1 from the back of the grid after a yellow-flag infringement, making progress through the field more difficult. He then crashed while trying to advance, describing the impact as hitting the ground at 165 mph and striking the air fence. He was diagnosed with a lip abrasion at the circuit medical centre, but was able to compete again the following day.

The available account is inconsistent on the exact corner: one description places the crash at Turn 14, while Bridewell’s own account identifies a left-hander as Turn 15. He attributed the incident to getting greedy under braking.

Sixth in the Superpole Race, then another fall

Despite significant body pain, Bridewell finished sixth in the 10-lap Superpole Race. He said the effort left him exhausted and physically drained. Before Race 2, he reported a sore shoulder and substantial swelling in his hand, while the team told him not to hesitate to retire if he was struggling.

He continued, but experienced significant chatter from early in the race. With two laps remaining, Bridewell lost the front at Turn 3 and crashed. He was subsequently declared unfit with multiple contusions and a suspected concussion; the evidence does not establish that the chatter directly caused the fall.

Bridewell nevertheless viewed the weekend’s progress positively for the first-year Superbike Advocates team. He also acknowledged that he is still learning in WorldSBK, with the team due to regroup for Cremona in a couple of weeks.