ETCHILHAMPTON’S Tommy Bridewell cut a frustrated figure during MCE Insurance British Superbike round eight at Brands Hatch – but insists he won’t sit around moping for long.

The 21-year-old has been a revelation since making his Mirror.co.uk debut in June climbing the podium four times from a possible six races but saw his honeymoon period ended at the Kent circuit.

Bridewell struggled with electrical problems all weekend and pulled in after 14 laps during race one on Saturday before lasting just one further lap in race two on Sunday.

The Wiltshire rider was left without a functioning engine for race three and didn’t line up on the starting grid as Cup leader Gary Mason claimed all three wins in a historic triple header.

But Bridewell – who sits fifth in the standings with 108 points – has vowed not to dwell on his Brands Hatch exploits with round nine at Cadwell Park three weeks away.

“The weekend has been fairly hard to be honest – all day Friday and Saturday we had electrical problems with the bike and we just couldn’t get to grips with it,” said Bridewell.

“It has been one of those weekends – a real struggle but I have just tried to keep my head down and get on with things as best as possible.

“I can’t really ask for anymore from the team and my riding ability. We got everything together and it has just been a bit of a kick in the teeth.

“All going well and depending on how much the new engine is going to cost we want to finish the season and that will be my focus from now until then.”

Meanwhile fellow Wiltshire rider and privateer rival Kenny Gilbertson suffered similar fortunes also failing to finish a single race at the Kent circuit.

A crash during qualifying left the 23-year-old without a bike to ride in the opening race and despite working overnight to get one pulled out of race two after seven laps.

Like Bridewell – Gilbertson didn’t go out during the last race and admitted he had only himself to blame after a weekend to forget at Brands Hatch.

“I am taking one step forward and 12 steps back at the moment,” said Gilbertson. “It just doesn’t seem to ever go our way. That was the first big mistake I have made this season and I am bit gutted because had I not fallen off things might have been fine.”

British Eurosport 2 has live coverage from every round of the 2009 British Superbike Championship. See the action on Sky channel 411 or Virgin Media channel 525. Next races at Cadwell Park on Sunday, August 31 and for updates head to uk.eurosport.yahoo.com