The 2024 British Superbike Champion in WorldSBK

Kyle Ryde’s wildcard was announced a long time ago and since then, he and his OMG Racing team have been enjoying domestic success. Ryde won the British championship last weekend at Brands Hatch, up against Tommy Bridewell (Honda Racing UK), before heading to Spain for his first WorldSBK appearance. The 27-year-old has experience of the paddock, having raced in WorldSSP in 2016 and 2017, while he was on the rostrum in a one-off appearance in 2015 at Donington Park.

Speaking when his wildcard was announced in September, Ryde said: “It’s obviously really exciting to hear that the team will be going to compete in the final round of the FIM Superbike World Championship at Jerez, and it is something I’m incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to do. I love Jerez, it is such an awesome track. I did a few laps there on my R6 earlier this year, and I really like the circuit, so I’m already itching to get out on the World Superbike-spec R1. The team are working hard behind the scenes now to get it all ready, and I just can’t wait. Thank you to Alan, Paul and all my guys for giving up their time and efforts to give us the chance to ride on the world stage.”

Tommy Bridewell returns for second WorldSBK wildcard

Bridewell was Ryde’s rival in the BSB title fight and both will be on track at Jerez. The 2023 British champion raced in WorldSBK at Cremona this year, where he also tested with Team HRC back in the summer. With six CBR1000RR-R machines on the grid, Bridewell will be hoping he can make a step forward and he revealed he would have a slightly upgrade spec of his machine.

He said: “I love racing motorbikes so to get to go and have another go is another great opportunity to go out and race my bike. Jerez is a really good circuit too as it’s got a bit of everything, heavy braking with a slow first sector that then starts opening up and getting quicker and quicker. Going to Jerez for me is about continuing the work that we are doing, gathering information and doing the best that I can. I rode well at Cremona with the package that we were on and ultimately, we will be a little bit better equipped with a slightly upgraded spec at Jerez. I want to go there and do as well as I can.”