The rumors of Tom Sykes leaving WorldSBK for the British Superbike paddock have come true, as the former World Champion has signed up with the Paul Bird Motorsports crew for the 2022 season.
Sykes will lineup alongside Josh Brookes, and ride the PBM Ducati Panigale V4 R in the British domestic series, which is sure to make him a BSB Superbike favorite, as PBM hunts for its 9th BSB title.
The Yorkshire man is no stranger to the PBM team, of course, having collaborated with Paul Bird’s crew in the World Superbike Championship before the Kawasaki factory took over.
Sykes career hit a zenith when he won the 2013 WorldSBK title, but it has been a slow decline since then. After three rough seasons with BMW Motorrad’s failed WSBK experiment, Sykes’ fortune takes him back to BSB, once again with Paul Bird Racing.
“I am very excited and motivated for this great opportunity to race in BSB with PBM,” said Sykes. “In terms of a domestic championship, it certainly doesn’t get any better. The level of competition is obviously high and there is some great talent.”
“To be back with PBM is fantastic. It’s a team I’ve been a part of before, both in BSB and in WSBK and one that has all of the pedigree for the task ahead. I will also be riding a Ducati for the first time in my career after riding for five other manufacturers in the Superbike category.”
“This alone adds more excitement and motivation to the pot! It will also be interesting to explore the different characteristics of the bike in BSB with the different technical regulations. Finally, to be part of PBM and Ducati in BSB, racing in front of the home crowd makes me really happy,” finished Sykes.
Source: BSB
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