Crash.net:
What do you think of the NEC show so far?
Tom Sykes:
I've only just landed really. Straight in, did my little press conference with Suzuki and I'm enjoying it so far, it's good. It gives me something to do which is great and hopefully I'll get a look round. It is a completely different lay out this year so I'll have a little look and see what is going on.
Crash.net:
Are you enjoying all the press attention?
TS:
I'm quite surprised actually, there has been a lot which I'm not used to really, but it is good I suppose. If people recognise me then fantastic, that always helps. At least it shows that people are following what I do which is great.
Crash.net:
Was it good to finally meet your new team-mate Atsushi Watanabe?
TS:
I've only seen pictures of him but it is nice to meet people in the flesh. Obviously his English is very limited but he seems a really good character, he has just done his press conference and a few things he said showed his sense of humour. He had me laughing anyway which is always welcome!
Crash.net:
You have quite an intensive test schedule planned, tell us about that?
TS:
It kicks off soon, we will be out in December, probably the first couple of weeks. We've got plenty of testing scheduled which is fantastic, it will give us lots of time to try different things with the bike. The bike is feeling really strong, but lots of time on the bike is always a bonus so I'm really looking forward to spending a lot of time on the bike and fine tuning everything for, hopefully, a fantastic season opener.
Crash.net:
Are you looking forward to hitting the ground running at the start of next year?
TS:
I definitely am, I mean the more time I spend with the team just opens my eyes a little bit more. I get on great with them all and it is such a fantastic team and like I said, in my opinion, the bike will work really well. I hope to hit the ground running, that is the main plan and I think it is achievable.
