Despite a congratulatory handshake at the end of yesterday’s second World Superbike race at Misano, there is no let up in the tension between Kawasaki team-non-mates Tom Sykes and Loris Baz.

Sykes is still stinging from the Sepang incident that saw him in the gravel with an injured hand after Baz misjudged his speed into turn two and went down, clattering the reigning champion who then crashed into Alex Lowes.

The Huddersfield man simply isn’t talking to Baz while the Frenchman is pragmatic about the whole thing but says it can’t be good for the team.

“I feel like I have been cost 43 points by my team-mate this year. I’m not going to cry about it, but it is a big shame when someone interferes with your racing season especially when it is your team-mate,” said Sykes, speaking at Misano.

“I was frustrated and showed my anger because I got my legs trapped in the wheel of someone’s bike. My throttle stuck open on my bike and we all know how quickly a racing career can end so that’s why I was upset and disappointed.

“I won’t lie, I make no intention to go and speak to him because it’s not the first time it has happened. Twice in Australia, once in Assen we touched, Donington it was a fair fight but let me make something clear, if on his day he beats me, I am man enough to accept that so at the moment we are not talking.”

“I think that is racing, you know, I am pleased he is not injured. It was a small mistake with a big consequence. He is my team-mate and that is not the best thing to do,” countered Baz.

“I do not like the way he is talking to me. We are not here to be friends. I don’t care if he don’t want to talk to me, it’s ok, but I don’t think it is the best for the team. I am still the same as before and I will everything the same as I have until now. If he don’t want to talk to me, that’s his problem, not mine.”