TOM SYKES’ team are ready to do their utmost to ensure that the Huddersfield racer can claim the 2013 World Superbikes crown.

The 27-year-old came within half a point of being champion last year, being pipped in the final race of the season at French circuit Magny-Cours by Italian ace Max Biaggi.

With Biaggi now retired, Sykes is aiming to be top of the rankings this term and his Kawasaki Racing Team are determined to ensure he has the best chance when they return to testing next month.

Sykes’ crew chief, Marcel Duinker, firmly believes a much more extensive testing programme has shown benefits.

“I think we have shown that testing is very important,” said Duinker.

“You can test many times but if you have the knowledge in house after a few tests then you are done and you must face your competitors first.

“You can test ten times but four is enough. You set-up your bike, go fast, and then suddenly think to yourself, ‘OK, what else?’

“But after that you go out and meet your competitors in a race and after one race you know straight away what to work on next. You then know what is your biggest limitation.

“This year the team gave us the opportunity to go out for testing when we found a limitation on the bike and this is one of the reasons why we are so close to the top now.”