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SBK, Sykes: "In the warm-up lap I realized I had a great opportunity"

"The bike gave me great confidence. Yesterday's work paid off. Seeing the team happy is one of the reasons I love racing."

SBK: Sykes: "In the warm-up lap I realized I had a great opportunity"

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Tom Sykes probably dreamed the day of his first podium with the BMW several times and, today, that dream came true. The Englishman danced on the wet asphalt at Misano, giving the Bavarian team its first podium since returning to Superbike, on a day that didn't seem like one of the best to achieve it.

"I 've struggled a lot in the last few years in wet conditions," started n.66. "But today I enjoyed it, and the bike gave me really good sensations. The team worked really well. Maybe I had the potential to be even faster. We found an excellent balance, and this helped me to be fast."

Today's result is, however, the result of a great job, which Tom emphasizes.

"Yesterday was very productive with regard to teamwork. We focused on improving a lot, and we also transferred all this to the wet conditions. During the warm-up lap, I was really confident and, in the first laps, I managed to be effective thanks to a particular confidence."

Sykes rejoiced but didn't forget about his team, dedicating nice words to it.

"Seeing the team happy after crossing the finish line is one of the reasons I love racing. We're a great team that works hard. At Imola, a technical problem deprived us of the podium, but here we have redeemed ourselves, and I'm very happy about this."

Now all that remains is to replicate this in dry conditions, which would confirm how great the BMW project is.

"Yesterday, I had a good pace on the dry asphalt with worn tires, but you never know before you ride. The package is good and improved. We're consistent, but we need to understand if we can be strong on the durability. However, if it's wet tomorrow, we'll certainly be ready."

In closing, n.66 expresses his opinion on his teammate, Reiterberger, who, unlike him, has not yet found the right path to follow.

"I don't know why he's struggling. It's a shame because Markus has potential but the category is difficult. He needs time and references to understand and improve. We are at the seventh race in a totally new project. I try to help with my experience, and I believe that Markus only needs time."

Translated by Leila Myftija

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