Tom Sykes has signed a contract to stay with his Kawasaki Racing team in World Superbike for another year. The Yorkshire lad is currently leading the championship after seven rounds and Kawasaki are keen to continue this great form and build on it for the future so retaining Sykes was an important part in the winning equation of rider, machine and team.

In 2014 the Brit will start his fifth straight year with Kawasaki in the championship, and the rider who finished runner up in the series last year is happy with his decision to remain with his current team.

“For me this is an awesome place to be. I have made my feelings quite clear to Kawasaki and all the individual team members and sponsors. I am really happy in my working environment and very relaxed. I am probably at my best in this kind of scenario so the natural thing is to continue for at least another year in SBK,” said Sykes.

“It is a great championship and when you have all the ingredients in place to be fighting at the front every weekend, even at different circuits, it is what you aim for. We have proved that we can do it and had a couple of double wins already.

“I have a great feeling riding with Kawasaki, so why change that? I am over the moon to stay in the team and the continuity is great. I could not be happier with the people around me. The deal has been done so early in the season, which is an absolute first.”