Kawasaki’s Tom Sykes clinched his third pole of the year at Portimao this afternoon during an action packed World Superbike Superpole session, and he is one happy rider this evening. 

He also bagged the third spot on the all time pole-setters list after snatching his 22nd career pole, from Pata Honda’s Jonathan Rea. This is a circuit which the reigning champ enjoys as it is also the third straight Superpole victory at the Portuguese track.

The Yorkshireman is feeling confident going into the races tomorrow, but is lacking a bit of grip in some areas, and is aware of the high winds blowing around the circuit – which are causing him only minor issues.

“The Ninja ZX-10R is working well after we started quite steadily this weekend. We made some small changes to the bike every session and now I feel more comfortable on it,” said Sykes.

“On the race tyre I was able to feel more comfortable and in Superpole, with the qualifying tyre, I just made it to the apexes a little bit easier. The circuit is missing a little bit of grip and of course the high winds are not helping, especially on the final section, but it is costing everybody some time.

“I am happy, especially after the changes we made today. I feel more comfortable and confident for the races tomorrow but I expect two difficult races. There are a lot of riders who are capable of running at the front but we will do the best we can.”

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