LEPTON speed merchant Tom Sykes is on the move.
The 22-year-old, who thrilled British Superbike fans during his debut season with Stobart Honda, will team up with Rizla Suzuki next season.
Joining him in a two-pronged attack will be Rizla’s other new signing, Japanese Superbike champion Atsushi Watanabe.
Sykes, who finished sixth in the Championship in his fantastic rookie season, said: “I’ve had a great season with the Stobart Honda team but with Watanabe coming to BSB, there’s going to be more factory support for the Rizla team and that’s an important factor.”
Having competed on a Suzuki back in his Supersport days, Sykes added: “It is great to come back to Suzuki, they are a great manufacturer and will be putting more input into racing which is good news for the championship and for myself.
“The team has a full season of development behind it and the GSX-R 1000 has big potential.
“I’m hoping for a good season and we should hit the ground running at the first round at Brands Hatch.
“The winter testing schedule will prepare us nicely for the challenge ahead.”
Jack Valentine’s team have already built and raced their 2008-spec GSX-R1000 and Sykes will play an integral part in its development throughout the winter.
