TOM SYKES admits he is in two minds whether Portimao should be on the World Superbike calendar – but he’s vowed not to let it stop him ending his 2011 campaign on a high.

The 26-year-old travels to Portugal for the 13th and final round of his third full season in the world paddock 13th overall with 133 points and Spaniard Carlos Checa already crowned as the champion.

Kawasaki Racing Team rider Sykes, from Fenay Bridge, admits that isn’t good enough but could yet break into the top 10 as just 22 points separate those riders lying ninth to 13th

Despite retiring and finishing 10th last time out at Magny-Cours, Sykes is in relatively good form having picked up 49 points from his last six outings – including a maiden win in Germany at the Nurburgring.

And, while he has his reservations about Portimao and its World Superbike status, Sykes, who also qualified on pole at round six in Misano in June, is determined to finish strongly in Sunday’s event.

“Portimao is a bit of a unique circuit – I am still on the fence about it in some ways because maybe the nature of the track is too over the top, with all the steep hills,” said Sykes.

“But it is a fantastic facility and a circuit that provides great racing and my aim there is simple – to be consistent throughout race weekend and make the most of the race package.

“The year has been up and down and I’m not where I wanted to be in the table. Where we are now is where I wanted to be in the middle part of the season.

“Of course we have reached maximum in qualifying, won a race and taken a fastest lap, so we have actually achieved the maximum in all aspects at certain times.”

WSB races will be shown on British Eurosport, with all European rounds in HD. British Eurosport – Sky channel 410 & Virgin Media 521. Eurosport HD is on Sky 412 & Virgin Media 522. Watch races live online at www.eurosportplayer.co.uk