The Englishman, who beat PBM team-mate Glenn Irwin to this year's crown by just half a point, will now form part of a three-pronged Honda Racing line-up al🅠ongside Andrew Irwin and Dean Harrison.

Bridew𒀰ell, 35, will aim to become the first rider to win consecutive BSB titles with different manufacturers.

“I am so excited to join such a prestigious brand, it is every rider's dream to ride for Honda at some point and to bring with me the number 1 plate is just fantastic," Bridewell said. "The timing feels right, I have achieved my championship goals and now I am 🦹entirely focused on defending the title. I am coming here to Honda to do just that, to win another championship.

“I have always made my decisions on instinct and I always follow my gut, the opportunity here at Honda is something that I have always wanted to do and it was an easy decision to make. I’ve chosen to come to Honda as I feel this is the best team to help me defend my champiꦉonship. Getting to ride a new bike is also really motivating and I am proud to run the number 1 plate for next season.”

Team manager Havier Beltran added: "Tommy is an enormously exciting rider and ไI am delighted to welcome him to Honda Racing UK. His achievements in the 2023 season showcased his exceptional talent and I firmly believe that his addition to our team will contribute significantly to our pursuit of success.

"I am certainly not alone in saying that I cannot wait to see what he is capable of achieving on our new Fireblade. Our target in 2🙈024 is clear, we are going racing to win and to fight for the title."

The last rider to defend the number one ♏plate in BSB was HM Plant Honda's Ryuichi Kiyonari in 2007.