Rizla Suzuki Tom Sykes intends to increase his number of wins and championship standing this weekend at the ninth round of British Superbikes, he currently sits third, a mere eight points behind HM Plant Cal Crutchlow.
Sykes has been a strong contender from the start of the season, but initially not all went his way come race day, but now the tables have turned and he’s back.  Sykes said: “I’ve now got three wins, looking for a couple more this weekend."
"I am happy with the way things are going.  Jack Valentine is doing a fantastic job and the Rizla Suzuki is working very good.  We’ve been good all season, but had a bit of bad luck at the beginning, but all things are in place now and things are going really well.”
“The Pre-season testing was close and at the beginning of the season I struggled a little bit where the bike didn’t feel 100% mine so I was unable to push the bike to the limit. All credit to Rizla Suzuki boys again they worked really hard and I can’t knock them for the amount of effort they have put in. The bike is working as a complete package now and hopefully I can get on and do the job.”
Denying the problem with engine rumours he said: “We’ve had one mechanical failure, if anybody can tell me otherwise then go ahead.  I think it’s a case of people trying to stir.  I think one engine failure using these regulations is pretty good.  At World Superbikes people tried to say that my DNF was due to this, but it wasn’t it was a stone in the radiator, a simple racing incident and that’s it.”
Sykes topped the timing sheets for both Saturday practice sessions at Cadwell Park this weekend and the only rider to enter the 1’27s that day.  Sykes said: “I don’t think I’ve suddenly just found any form, if you look at the beginning of season we were looking to win one of the races at Oulton park, but I had an incident.  At Thruxton I was looking strong until I had another issue.  It’s another experience of racing, we just had a lot of bad luck”
Sykes has also proven his and the teams ability by his successful run in World Superbikes at Brands Hatch earlier this month where in race one he was running in third until damaged radiator.  He then finished seventh in race two after again running in third for half of the race.  The Huddersfield rider is hoping to improve on those results at the next World round at Donington Park, which happens to be one of his favourite circuits that he believes suits his smooth riding style.
Focusing back on his British battle where the season is far from over, Sykes said: “Now my championship is back on track, we’re not far behind second position.  A top two finish is definitely on the cards and if Shakey slips maybe higher.  Shakey is riding really well and I respect him a lot, if he keeps going the way he is then the championship is out of reach, but we will see.”