The bike started to develop heavy chatter due to the rubber missing from the tyre and unfortunately it spoilt the day. After all the changes, hard work and bumps and knocks I'd taken, to have your day spoilt by something as simple as that is a bit heartbreaking - not just for myself but the whole Rizla Suzuki team.
Q:
What was the secret to your starts?
Tom Sykes:
Obviously we've got a good system on the bike. I wouldn’t call it launch control; it's a bit of a rider aid if you like. I can do it without [using the system] as well, but it's something less for me to think about.
Just being on the ball and really focussing is very important. Coming from the third row to the front row at the first corner is a big gain and I made the most of it.
Q:
And are you looking forward to Oulton Park?
Tom Sykes:
For sure I won't let this get me down. We've only had two races. There's a long way to go and we know what to do with the bike. The Rizla Suzuki has got good legs on it - the engine is really strong - so now it's just a matter of fine tweaking it and curing the minor problems that were slowing me down a bit.