Could Tom Sykes be set for surprising WorldSBK stay?

Despite rumours of a switch back to BSB, 2013 world champion Tom Sykes could be set to remain in WorldSBK for a 14th season. 

With Yamaha, Ducati, Kawasaki, BMW and Honda all having confirmed their factory riders for this season, the thought was that Sykes would seek options in either BSB or MotoAmerica - which is currently happening.

But with Pedercini Kawasaki, one of the series’ most established and reliable satellite teams, and Sykes’ previous success with the Japanese manufacturer, a move to partner Loris Cresson could be on the cards. 

In fact, team owner Lucio Pedercini has confirmed talks with Sykes have taken place: “With Tom there has always been a great relationship of friendship and mutual respect,” Pedercini said to GPOne.com. “At the moment he is looking around to understand what could be the best choice for 2022. 

“The thing I can say is that I am interested in bringing him back to Kawasaki after his experience in BMW. 

“We have spoken in the last few weeks and on my part there is the maximum availability to try and realise this operation.”

“Having a rider like Sykes would be a dream. I think with Tom we could show the true potential of the bike and - above all - the team. 

“In recent seasons our results have not been brilliant, but with a frontline rider we could certainly make a leap forward to fight for something important.”

Although the 2021 campaign ended up being a disappointment for Sykes, the British rider managed to flash potential particularly over one lap as he secured his and the BMW team’s lone pole of the year in Catalunya. 

Sykes, who finished 82 points down on team-mate Michael Van Der Mark, could have challenged the Dutchman for sixth in the standings as the pair were tightly matched throughout the first eight rounds, however, a concussion suffered at the same Catalunya round saw Sykes miss Jerez, Portimao and San Juan - a total of eight races.