SBK, Sykes: "I don't copy Rea's settings"

Tom Sykes’ provisional spoils for 2016 include 5 race wins and 9 podiums, world title numbers if, the usual “if”, teammate Johnny Rea had not done better with 8 race wins and another three podium finishes.

In the overall standings, the two Brits are 46 points apart with another 200 points up for grabs over the next 8 races. Anything could still happen. In other words, Rea could increase his lead and take his second consecutive championship, or Sykes, racking up more wins and podiums than his teammate, could repeat his 2013 world title performance.

Until now, the KRT team Kawasaki ZX10R has dominated in practically all conditions. Uncatchable in qualifying, consistent and effective in the race, the green machines from Akashi have collected 13 wins and 17 podiums, leaving mere crumbs and a few fleeting moments of glory for the rival bikes, with Chaz Davies finishing first only four times and Nicky Hayden winning at Sepang on a wet track.

This technical domination and the strong personality of the two factory riders has further fuelled the battle in the Kawasaki camp (where provocation and reciprocal “warnings” have not been lacking in the garage) and it was Tom Sykes who made some comments to Speedweek and summed up the achievements thus far: “I must admit that the start of my season was not that great. In the first race in Australia I had already lost almost 30 points to Rea and my mistake in the Netherlands was the worst moment so far. My problem has been finding the right balance for the bike. My riding style is very limited by the characteristics of the engine. But I can’t make the changes I need because the rules forbid them.”

This may seem like an excuse, but if we think about it, in Sykes’ statement we can find an accurate analysis: “The technical regulations in 2013 and 2014 allowed more room to manoeuvre and I was fast both on the flying lap and in the race, where I was able to be consistent. Now I’m not saying that with those technical rules I would be able to win all the races, but I would definitely be more effective.”

Having an inconvenient talent and personality alongside him like Rea is further motivation for Sykes, who adds an unexpected comment: “I can still win races today. I have demonstrated that and I will do everything I can to confirm it. But the world champion on the team is Rea and he can look at my data. He especially did it at the beginning in order to understand how to ride the ZX10R and to understand my riding style. On the other hand, I never look at Rea’s telemetry and settings and I rely solely on my feelings, going out on the track and exploring my limits. I think that every day on the track is like a day at school. You can always learn something from yourself and from others.”