Motorsport: Sykes has podium finish in his sights

Apr 28 2009 by Mel Booth, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

HUDDERSFIELD’S Tom Sykes stormed to his best World Superbike finish of the season so far at Assen – then warned Japanese leader Noriyuki Haga to watch his back.

The 23-year-old started a below-par eighth on the grid but put that to one side to finish a season best fourth in race one, with team-mate Ben Spies again topping the pile.

But the Yamaha WSB rider – who’s previous best finish was fifth in Qatar in March – had to settle for sixth in race two as Ducati’s Haga took his points tally to 180 for the season with another win.

Sykes has finished tenth or above in all eight World Superbike races this season and despite sitting 110 points behind Haga in sixth, he insists a podium finish is just one race away.

“To come away with my best finish of the season was a great way to round off the weekend,” said Sykes.

“I am improving all the time and I want people to know I am here to stay.

“I am adapting really well to the World Superbike paddock and I want the top guys to know that I am not going away.

“I would love to be here in one, two or three years time and if I keep performing the way I am I believe that is realistic.