Munich. Tom Sykes (GBR) is returning temporarily to the BMW
Motorrad Motorsport WorldSBK family and to the ROKiT BMW Motorrad
WorldSBK Team. The 37-year-old British rider will replace injured
Michael van der Mark (NED) until further notice in the FIM Superbike
World Championship (WorldSBK). The Dutch rider sustained a fractured
left femur at Assen (NED).
From 2019 to 2021, Sykes was a BMW Motorrad factory rider in the BMW
Motorrad WorldSBK Team and was involved in the BMW Motorrad WorldSBK
project from the word go. He also played a key role in the development
of the BMW M 1000 RR. In his three seasons as a BMW Motorrad works
rider, Sykes recorded a total of six podium finishes and three pole positions.
“Welcome back, Tom. We are delighted to welcome Tom temporarily back
to our WorldSBK family,” said BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director Marc
Bongers. “This opportunity arose as Tom became available. We believe
that he will be a great substitute for as long as it takes for Michael
to recover from his injury. We are in constant contact with Michael,
and he is making good progress. However, there is no date set for his
return. Tom is an outstanding rider and, as well as having plenty of
WorldSBK experience, he has been familiar with our project and the
team from the very start.”
“I’m looking forward to temporarily return to the BMW Motorrad
Motorsport and to the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team,” Sykes said.
“I will work hard to support them as best as possible. I know them
from the beginning on and was involved in developing the BMW M 1000
RR. Now I get the opportunity to contribute again to the development
process. I’m looking forward to get on the new BMW M 1000 RR at the
Misano test. At the same time, I wish my former team-mate Mickey all
the best on his way to recovery while I give everything to stand in
for him in the best possible way.”
