Tom Sykes said he was speechless after Jonathan Rea handed him second place in the final World Superbike standings, allowing the Huddersfield man past on the final lap to take a Kawasaki one-two in the rider standings.

Sykes had to finish second behind winner Chaz Davies to bag runner-up spot in the title chase and after Rea charged through the pack with an astonishing display of aggressive riding, the Irishman knew he couldn’t catch the Ducati, so did some wheelies to allow Sykes to pass him out of the final turn.

“I am quite speechless and being a gentleman I really, really appreciate this kind of gesture. I will remember it until I am very old,” said Sykes.

“We have lost championships in the past from team orders from other manufacturers so to have this and for it to gift us second in the championship, a one-two for Kawasaki in the championship. It has been a heck of a season for Kawasaki.”

Rea confirmed there were no actual team orders but decided it was more important to the Provec-run squad for Sykes to round out the season in second place.

“On the last lap I knew that barring a mistake from Chaz that there was no way that I could get through cleanly so I played the clever game. I knew the maths and wanted to be a team player,” he said.

“Without team orders, speaking inside the team like gentlemen I knew that it was more important for the big picture that we have a one-two. So I am very happy for myself because I have achieved my target. I am happy for Kawasaki with the one-two in the championship because I think it is the first time. I am also happy for Tom because he has played a key role in Kawasaki’s success.”