Shaina interviews Tom Sykes!

11-year-old Indonesian fan Shaina Salvia interviewed Kawasaki Racing Team rider Tom Sykes during the Netherlands World Superbike round at Assen...

Shaina Salvia A. S.:
I heard you've been trying to change your cornering style from last year, how has that been?

Tom Sykes:
Yes, this year we still have a little bit missing, some missing confidence, during the corner but today we made some small modifications. We also made some modifications in the recent tests since the last race and this weekend we made some small modifications and I feel we haved reduced this problem and are getting closer to where we need it to be.

Shaina Salvia A. S.:
How is this year's bike compare to last year's Kawasaki?

Tom Sykes:
The new Kawasaki ZX-10RR model changes from last year are very, very small. We made very small changes to try to increase the power of the bike. They are still small but all in the correct way to be a little bit more precise on the race track. A little bit more power, a little bit lighter components in certain areas. It has had a big effect on the track.

Shaina Salvia A. S.:
So do you like this year's bike more?

Tom Sykes:
In terms of pure performance this year's bike is better but from a technical regulations point of view in the championship this goes against my feeling. Kawasaki has improved the bike but unfortunately because of the Dorna technical rules I feel it has taken away this advantage.

Shaina Salvia A. S.:
We've seen some fierce competition between you, Jonathan Rea, Chaz Davies and now also Marco Melandri. Who do you think is your toughest competition this year?

Tom Sykes:
This year it is Jonathan because he is a two-time champion and in this moment with the current rules, the bike and his riding style is completely in harmony. It is a big shame for me but I am always trying. We still need to adjust my riding style slightly to accommodate this limitation.

Also on pure speed Chaz Davies is very strong. Marco Melandri has come back to the championship and I honestly believe he is a fantastic rider and with a great machine I believe he can be very strong at some circuits. At this moment he is probably not ready to fight for the championship in his first year back.

Shaina Salvia A. S.:
In Aragon I heard you had a stomach ache problem, how did this effect you in the race and how did you manage to get a great result despite your physical condition?

Tom Sykes:
Unfortunately this condition is still effecting me a lot both physically and mentally. Physically it is really causing me problems and from the mental side it means I can't be fully focused on the job. Sure, in the race it has an effect but I try my very best to focus and fight it. I gave my maximum here at Assen and came very close to the win. I hope in the next race we can physically make an improvement and this way we can fight stronger.

Shaina Salvia A. S.:
Good luck and I hope you feel better for the next race. My last question is do you have any advice or words for your fans and followers around the world who want to achieve a dream?

Tom Sykes:
Yes, if you have a dream you have to always believe in it to try and achieve this dream. For example, when I was a kid my dream was to become world champion. I was very lucky as I had a great family and my Grandad was very passionate about racing. They helped me start and they helped me reach my dream so I am very lucky.

But to achieve this I made a big commitment. Most of all you should try for the dream but always be happy because when you are happy it is easier to achieve the goal.

Shaina Salvia A. S.:
Okay, thank you very much Tom.

Tom Sykes:
No problem it was my pleasure. Thank you.