SBK, Sepang: Sykes scores big

A perfect performance by Tom Sykes in Race 1 at the Sepang track today. Work that began on Friday and which saw the Huddersfield rider focus more on the race itself than on trying for the fast qualifying time.

Work that was necessary after the resurfacing of the track, which threatened to send the chances of winning up in smoke in the second half of the race, when the tyre situation would be at its most delicate. Work that definitely came to fruition and, after snatching pole, and setting a new track record in the process, the Brit was able to score a convincing win in a race that he led pretty much from the start and finished with the attitude of one who has no intention of being second choice when it comes to Kawasaki's plans. Rea's contract renewal has meant that #66 has even more motivation to solidify his role within the KRT team. 

Today's win means that Sykes makes up points to Rea, second today, and Chaz Davies, third after a race that, all in all, perhaps leaves a bitter taste for the Welshman, unable to make up points on his rival, the championship leader.

There was a great fight for fourth place, involving the two BMW riders Reiterberger and Torres (though the former suffered a problem with his S1000RR 4 laps from the end), and the Ducati of Davide Giugliano and the Yamaha of Alex Lowes.

It was Torres who won that particular fight to cross the line fourth, followed by Lowes in fifth, after a race in which the Yamaha has shown its potential but a potential that is not yet fully exploited. Sixth for Giugliano, ahead of Michael VD Mark, Nicky Hayden and Anthony West. Tenth for Leon Camier on the MV Agusta.

The race ended badly for the Aprilia riders of team Iodaracing: Lorenzo Savadori crashed out on lap ten while fighting for seventh place, and Alex De Angelis fell two laps earlier.

Here are the Race 1 results