Tom Sykes concluded what may be his final ever WorldSBK race, fifth after a dramatic Sunday at Lombok’s Mandalika Circuit.
Sykes’ anger at being dropped by BMW in favour of Scott Redding for 2022, and maybe more about the nature of how it was communicated, has not abated that much, it seems.
A top five finish rounded out a WorldSBK career that looks over, with Sykes ending up 11th in the championship after missing so many races with his concussion injury from Catalunya, and only two podiums and one pole position on the new M1000RR.
His WorldSBK career is immense, in any stats terms. World Champion in 2013, with 114 podium finishes, of which 34 were on the top step. He is the record Superpole scorer, with 51. He has now actually started 349 races - that Superpole Race cancellation only stopping him from reaching 350 starts. Only Troy Corser, on 377, has more.
But now it looks like the end of the WorldSBK road for Sykes, who may end up racing in the USA or BSB. His final race was a good one, if not spectacular, as he finished fifth in the wet. The wet clearly helps the BMW, with his teammate Michael van der Mark on the podium in Sunday’s conclusion.
“The condition here in this circuit in the wet is really a pleasure to ride,” explained Sykes. “There’s a lot of grip that can be offered. It makes the wet races even more enjoyable. So today, I think I would say every rider was pleasantly surprised by the grip that there is to offer. It makes the racing even more enjoyable. BMW being good in the wet conditions, simple answer… I think good riders are able to get around some of the bike’s limitations, and get closer to where we deserve to be. Obviously in the dry conditions, you cannot ride around the problems as much. Today I think it was a slightly different approach from the two BMW riders. It’s great. I’m happy for Michael. It’s a result he deserves.”
So how would Sykes sum-up his year on the M1000RR?
“It’s a year of two halves,” he admitted, “a little bit bittersweet. I just have to say, it is what it is. Thing is, during the season, we have to try to develop and race at the same time, which is quite a tricky task. Normally in this level of racing you need to focus on race setup, but unfortunately I was caught out by some decision making late on in the year in August, and from there obviously that left it with a little bit of a sour taste. But in general, you can also look at some positives. I have no real regrets in life. I’ve had some life lessons and this year I had another life lesson. So, I just understand them and move on.”
Sykes is unsure where he will ride in 2022, even now.
“No confirmation yet. Still working at it. It is a shame because even this weekend to come back from an injury - I think a lot of people don’t understand the potential risk of my injury - and to come back and qualify second row… In my opinion, I had some limitations in the dry race, but in the wet race, again, I think the potential is there. No, I don't think, I know that the potential is there.
"For sure, in an ideal world I would have continued in the world championship as I’ve been here for thirteen years and have the level to continue. But, as one door closes another one opens. There’s other things going on in the world and I’ll look a little bit further.”
What about those BSB or MotoAmerica possibilities?
“Obviously I’d consider them. My passion is racing motorcycles. In those championships you mentioned, you could argue that the tracks are a bit more narrow etc., but ultimately, I’ve always said, even when I was world champion and working with my crew chief at the time, Marcel, when I raced in Laguna Seca I said to Marcel, ‘Do you know what? I’d love to race here one year.’ So that’s for sure a big interest.
"BSB, I know that. I’ve been there. I know that they run a very good, organised championship, a very competitive one. And if I go there, I’ll have a target on my back, so it might be a little bit fun. For sure I’d consider this because this year I turned 36 years old and I still feel 25, so I enjoy my racing. It’s my passion. I’ll see what we can organise now.
“Like I said, I’ve been a little bit on the back foot because I was told late, and now I just need to try and respond accordingly. I don’t have the options for anywhere with BMW. Like I said, there’s other things going on and now that this race is over, we’ll look more into detail. But as of yet, I’ve been given no option with BMW.”
Sykes seemed happy to have signed off at a track he and most others really rate. “The track is fantastic. It’s so wide and you get to see every corner on the approach, so honestly for me, this track layout is great. I don’t feel there’s any difficultly in terms of over-technical. It’s just for me an enjoyable track to ride, especially turns five, six, and seven. You’re on the edge of the tyre for a long time. That’s probably the most physically demanding, through seven, eight, and nine, but honestly, credit to everyone involved in this circuit. Thank you.”
