Sykes brands Baz 'immature and disrespectful'

Tom Sykes has hit out at Kawasaki team-mate Loris Baz following the first World Superbike Championship race in Qatar after the Frenchman failed to yield to a potentially pivotal team order.

Baz was running second behind Sykes's title rival Sylvain Guintoli, with the Englishman in third, coming into the final lap of the race around the Losail International Circuit, prompting Kawasaki to issue an order for him to drop behind his championship-contesting team-mate.

However, Baz - who did yield a position to Sykes when asked to do so in Magny-Cours - would hold firm, crossing the line in second place. It means, just three points separate Sykes from Aprilia's Guintoli heading into the final race of the season, rather than seven.

It was a defiance that drew the ire of Sykes when interviewed by Eurosport, branding Baz 'immature and disrespectful' for his actions.

"That just shows how immature and disrespectful he is," he said. "That was a team order, a fairly pivotal one. We lost points in Sepang from his misjudgement and another five now. I could have followed Sylvain in the next race and now it is winner takes it all.

Referencing their controversial clash in Malaysia earlier this year, Sykes insists he had no problem with Baz - who will ride in MotoGP next year -, but suggests he may do now.

"I don't know. It was only the incident in Sepang and I have no problem with Loris... maybe now I do."