Rizla Suzuki are looking to secure a long-awaited first win of the year as the Bennetts British Superbike Championship makes its second trip to Oulton Park this season.
Sykes has been steadily rising to the front of the field through the year, culminating in his first pole position of the season last time out at
Mallory Park.
Now Rizla Suzuki team boss Jack Valentine is certain that Sykes will be fighting hard for his first victory at Oulton Park, particularly as he has already been competitive around the circuit once this season.
A good performance would be well timed too as Sykes prepares for his World Superbike bow when he competes in the upcoming
Brands Hatch round next month.
“It will be good to get back after the short break that we have had,” said Valentine. “Everyone has had a chance to recharge and Rizla Suzuki is more than ready for
Oulton Park. Tom loves racing at Oulton and last time we were there in May he showed what he is capable of.
“There is no reason why he can't be on the front row and on top of the podium. The Rizla Suzuki GSX-R 1000 is working really well and the nimble chassis paired with the strong engine is just what is required at Oulton.”
Valentine, meanwhile, is hoping a return to a familiar circuit for Atsushi Watanabe will be the prompt he needs to boost his performances this season.
“I think this will be a strong round for Atsu as he has raced at Oulton before and track knowledge at a complex circuit is everything.
“He has been in Japan preparing for Suzuka so he will have spent plenty of time on a bike and be more than ready to race his Rizla Suzuki at Oulton. Since he already knows the circuit I think a top 10 qualifying and race result will be more than achievable.”
