RIZLA SUZUKI’S Tom Sykes will make his World Superbike debut as a wild card rider at the 10th round of the Hannspree World Superbike Championship at Brands Hatch in Kent on the 1st-3rd August.
The Huddersfield rider and his team are thrilled to have the opportunity to showcase Tom’s talents at World level, and fully intend to give the British crowd something to cheer about. Last time out at Brands Hatch, Sykes was running at the front proving both he and his Rizla Suzuki are more than capable of conquering the rigorous 2.3 mile GP circuit.
Sykes is hoping to take the fight to World Superbike regulars like Troy Bayliss, Troy Corser and Noriyuki Haga. With a bumper crowd expected the 23-year old will be aiming for Superpole and a top eight qualifying with more to come in the races.
Tom:
“I’m very excited about World Superbikes at Brands Hatch and I‘m really looking forward to racing there. I know it will be a learning curve as I need to get my head round Superpole and everything but I think it will be good. I’m looking forward to brushing elbows with Bayliss and Haga; I’m planning on making the most of it and putting on a good show for myself and Rizla Suzuki.
“To be honest I’d like to be in the top three, I’m definitely going there for a podium and I can’t see why we wouldn’t achieve it. I want to run at the sharp end, obviously a win would be better and if there is a chance of that I’ll take it. I know I will try harder if I have a lot of fans there, it is not my usual Championship so I want to cause a few up-sets and put on a strong show for everyone.”
Jack Valentine, Team Manager Rizla Suzuki:
“Tom has been riding well and we had a good set-up when we were at Brands Hatch earlier in the year, plus our Rizla Suzuki has come on since then so I think we are on for a strong showing. There will be a certain amount of pressure being on the World stage but we will just be going about our business as usual.
“World Superbike riders take no prisoners and the depth of field is immense, so our first objective is to get into Superpole. Tom hasn’t had to use a qualifying tyre all year and he has never done Superpole so that will add to the pressure, but I’m confident he can bang in a fast lap and put us on the front two rows. He is up for it and I’m sure he will do us proud.”
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