Rizla Suzuki's Tom Sykes went down fighting at the Brands Hatch British Superbike finale as a generator failure forcing him to pull out of the second race.

Sykes, who moves to the Santander Yamaha World Superbike squad next year, had a chance of taking second in the championship but setup problems in race one added to his DNF in race two, meaning he ended up behind close friend Cal Crutchlow.

“That’s not the way I wanted to finish the 2008 season and it is not what the Rizla Suzuki team deserved. My bike simply stopped in the second race with a few laps to go and there was nothing I could do," said Sykes.

"I am an optimist by nature though and will take the positive from finishing fourth in the Championship and look forward from here. A big thank you to PJ, Stuart, Simon and Dan my technicians for their hard work this year – well done boys, you are brilliant. Thanks also to all the fans and Rizla Suzuki for what has been a great BSB campaign.”

Team boss Jack Valentine added: “We came here wanting to finish on a high note but instead we are all disappointed with fourth in the Championship. Tom went out fighting as usual and the fact is we have had a cracking season and will not let this final round tarnish what has been a cohesive, well-executed campaign that has brought the team three wins, numerous podiums and World Superbike champagne as well.

“Thank you to Tom Sykes and Atsushi Watanabe for their determination and effort this year, they have both been a pleasure to work with and I wish them all the best for the future. Thanks also to all of my team, they are winners to a man and I respect every one of them."