Britain's Tom Sykes and his Kawasaki team took a bike that performed poorly last year and very nearly won the 2012 World Superbike Championship at Magny-Cours this afternoon, pegging back 30 points in one weekend on a now six-time world champion and missing out on the title by just half a point.

The Huddersfield rider stamped his name on the global racing scene in France today, taking a podium and a win in very different races, not succumbing to the mid-race grip slump that has so affected him this year. Sykes has, in his own words, 'overachieved' this season.

"We were on pole, took a new circuit record, got a podium and then a win and pulled back 30 points on Max Biaggi. Not easy against a rider of his level. Yes, obviously there is a massive disappointment on one hand because we were only half a point from the world championship," said Sykes.

"But on the other hand, being realistic, we are very happy and we have - by far - overachieved on expectations this year. We have been very strong and I think this weekend we have been particularly strong; partly because of this Joan Lascorz replica helmet I am wearing.

"I have had massive support here from my family, friends and the Kawasaki fans so to sum up my year it has been fantastic. I really appreciate that Kawasaki, Provec; all the team our sponsors, Motocard, Leo Vince and all of them have put us in the situation of fighting for the world championship. Hopefully next year we can be very consistent from the start.”