ETCHILHAMPTON racer Tommy Bridewell begins his preparations for the MCE British Superbike Championship in earnest this week with his Milwaukee Yamaha team starting pre-season testing in Spain.

Bridewell and Australian teammate Josh Brookes will put in the laps at the Spanish circuit of Cartagena ahead of the Easter opening round at Brands Hatch.

The Wiltshire ace, 25, enjoyed an impressive final three rounds of the 2013 campaign with Milwaukee, scoring three podium finishes after joining them in the latter stages of the season.

Bridewell said: “The test couldn’t come soon enough for me as I am really ready to get the season started.

"I am not going to be aiming to break the lap record straight away but I certainly see the test as myself and the Milwaukee Yamaha team starting our assault on the championship.

"In the past there has been a lot of talk about times and how everyone is shaping up but I am just looking at what I can do.

"It has been a long winter and although I did three rounds with the team last season I still feel that I have more to learn about the Yamaha and that is what is exciting me about testing.

"We also have the new 17” wheels to test and get back into riding again after a winter of training and motocross.

"I feel ready to go now and it is important to start the season off in the best possible way.”

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