Tom Sykes returns to WorldSBK and back to Kawasaki!

news7g11/09/2022

3 2 minutes read

Tom Sykes

Tom Sykes will compete for Kawasaki Puccetti Racing in the 2023 FIM Superbike World Championship.

Sykes began his career in the national championship, first in 125 and then in Supersport. In 2007 he moved to the British SBK, where he remained until 2008, scoring a total of three race victories and 16 podiums, before making his World Superbike debut in 2009, the championship that he maintained until last year.

During his long and prestigious career, Tom was crowned Superbike World Champion in 2013 riding a Kawasaki.

During his more than thirteen years at WorldSBK, Sykes competed in 355 races and earned 34 race victories, 114 podiums and 51 pole positions. He has scored more Super Leagues than any other driver in WorldSBK history.

After a season at the BSB, Tom will return to the world championship with Kawasaki Puccetti Racing, both the driver and his teammate sharing the same desire to take the top spot of the series.

Tom Sykes

“I am really happy to join Kawasaki Puccetti Racing and return to the WorldSBK circuit. For many years I have been impressed by the way Manuel Puccetti manages his team and by the mentality with which he goes racing, as well as the infrastructure of the team. All aspects mean I’m very motivated ahead of the 2023 race season.

“I also have another chance, that I will be part of the Kawasaki family again, building on a relationship that has always been very strong. I can’t wait to start this project and get to know the whole team.“

Tom Sykes is having a rough year at the BSB with PBM Ducati, but there are some highlights, such as a win at Donington Park last month.

Manuel Puccetti

“It is a real pleasure for me and the team to welcome a world champion like Tom Sykes. I’m sure that together we can learn and grow, and harness his considerable testing experience to make our Ninja even more competitive. With a driver of his caliber, our goal could not be less than the top 5.

“We have arranged a test schedule, starting in Jerez in December, when we will start shaping our Ninja around Tom. We will then resume the wind tunnel tests and follow-up tests in January. The whole team is very excited to welcome a top driver like Tom.

“I also want to thank Lucas Mahias for the four years we have spent together. We have enjoyed success and satisfaction in Supersport while at Superbike, despite the overall positive track record, we have faced a number of injuries that have prevented us from achieving the results we were looking for. he and our team deserve it. We wish Lucas all the best for a bright future.“

Tom Sykes last raced for Kawasaki in 2018

An Official Pre-Season Test for WorldSBK and WorldSSP classes will be held at Phillip Island prior to Round 1, on Monday 20th and Tuesday 21st February.

Phillip Island will then open the season on the weekend of February 26, alongside the opening round of the 2023 Australian Superbike Championship.