Rumors about Tom Sykes leaving WorldSBK to join the British Superbike team have come true, as the former world champion has signed Paul Bird Motorsports racing team for the 2022 season.
Sykes will appear alongside Josh Brookes and ride a PBM Ducati Panigale V4 R in the UK domestic series, which is sure to make him a favorite BSB Superbike, as PBM hunts for its 9th BSB title.
The Yorkshire man is of course no stranger to the PBM team, having worked with Paul Bird’s team in the World Superbike Championship before the Kawasaki factory took over.
Sykes’ career peaked when he won the 2013 WorldSBK title, but it has declined slowly since. After three difficult seasons with BMW Motorrad’s failed WSBK test, Sykes’ fortune brought him back to the BSB, again with Paul Bird Racing.
“I am very excited and motivated for this great opportunity to race at the BSB with PBM,” Sykes said. “In terms of the domestic championship, certainly not much better. The level of competition is obviously high and there is some great talent. ”
“It’s great to be back with PBM. It’s a team I’ve been a part of before, both in BSB and WSBK, and one that has all the pedigree for the task ahead. I will also get to ride a Ducati for the first time in my career after riding for five other manufacturers in the Superbike category. ”
“This alone adds excitement and motivation to the pot! It will also be interesting to explore the different characteristics of bicycles in BSB with different specifications. In the end, being a part of PBM and Ducati at the BSB, being able to race in front of a home crowd makes me really happy,” finished Sykes.
Source: BSB
