Tom Sykes took two fourth place finishes at
Mallory Park on Sunday, his pole position setting speed being negated by a bad start in race one and rain just before race two.
Sykes fell back to fifth on the opening lap of race one, but remained part of the victory right almost to the end - setting the fastest lap of the race in the process.
"Race one was very frustrating," admitted the Rizla Suzuki rider. "Rather than getting my trademark good start, my clutch grabbed and I found myself sixth going into the first corner. I fought my way up but the guys in front were quick and difficult to overtake. It's a shame as I had the pace and if I'd got off the line better I may have pulled away with a clear track in front."
"I was a bit disappointed for Tom in the opening race because he had the pace to win but got a very uncharacteristic poor start," added team manager Jack Valentine. "He was the only rider to go under 56secs a lap and that shows just how close we were to winning."
In the second race, which began with the track soaking wet but the sun shining, Sykes opted for an intermediate front tyre and slick rear - which paid off at the end, but was tricky at the beginning.
"The second race was a real lottery and the tyre choice we made was a good balance," said Tom. "As the track dried I got faster and fourth was the best I could do. It was a hard race and I am happy to have brought my Rizla Suzuki home given how slippery the track was during the first few laps. I'll just have to wait to the next round at
Oulton Park before I get my maiden win...”
Team-mate Atsushi Watanabe took ninth in the opening race but struggled badly in the second, finishing in 20th position.
"Race one was not so bad and I have good start and fighting for top 10 positions. This makes me happy and I hope for same for race two but the rain falls and tyres choice tough and many quick riders make very difficult for good result," said the Japanese Superbike champion. "The racing today has been up and down and I am still learning. I will think on this and come back stronger and for more top 10 places at the next round."
