Huddersfield racer Tom Sykes is ready to come out fighting in 2015 and regain his World Superbikes crown.

The 29-year-old Kawasaki Racing Team rider could not match new champion Sylvain Guintoli’s pace in each race at the final meeting held at the Losail International circuit in Qatar, but Sykes showed his determination to fight all the way with his double podium – finishing third in both races.

In all it was a good season because as well as his eight wins, Sykes took 16 podiums in 24 races and scored five Superpole successes.

“We gave it everything at the final round and no regrets,” said Sykes.

“We made the podium in both races in Doha and pushed as hard as the bike and set-up would allow.

“We had some really good lap times in race two but Sylvain had a better pace.

“It is what it is and the races had the most significant outcome of all, I am disappointed but there is only so much you can do.

“We knew this weekend would be hard work and there is no disgrace in what we did, unfortunately it just wasn’t quite enough.

“Luckily the winter is not too long and we will come out fighting next year.”

Sykes will be joined next season by Northern Ireland rider Jonathan Rea, who is no stranger to the Superbike World Championship having made 140 race starts and taken 15 victories since his first full season of participation in 2009.

The 27-year-old, who was with the Pata Honda team this year, has scored four race wins in the recently competed 2014 championship season.

KRT will start their drive to regain the title when they begin their heavy testing schedule this month in Spain.

“After three years working with Loris Baz to grow up a young talent, we will start in 2015 a new strategy, with an experienced and fully formed rider Johnny Rea,” said Guim Roda, the KRT Team Manager.

“We are sure he can increase the whole team performance and he will be a very good team-mate with Tom Sykes.

“Both have a big respect for each other, and I’m sure both guys will increase their performance, searching the limits of the Ninja ZX-10R.

“We expect to put on track two very strong riders next year so it is our idea try to win back the title with our two British weapons.”