Sykes: WSBK one bike rule an absolute disaster

Tom Sykes says World Superbike’s one bike rule was “an absolute disaster” for him in Qatar after effectively losing the entire FP2 session when his Kawasaki suffered engine failure early on.

Having immediately improved on his FP1 lap time during his opening stint in the second session, Sykes was hit by engine failure which briefly forced a red flag to the session and ended his day’s track action.

With a complete engine change required it meant Sykes was unable to run in the remainder of FP2, effectively losing his only opportunity for a race simulation in the same track conditions to both races at the Losail International Circuit. 

As a result, Sykes hopes the one bike rule is changed in the future as he feels is spoils the show for the fans.

“We were hoping to fine-tune the Kawasaki ZX-10RR for tomorrow’s race but unfortunately we had a slight technical setback,” Sykes said. “The one bike rule is an absolute disaster. It is a shame because I feel it spoils the show.

“When you are watching MotoGP and one of those top guys has an issue it nice to see them get back to the pits and continue the session but as it happens here in WSBK when you have this misfortune you are penalised for it. It is a hard one to take when you are fighting for the runner-up spot in the world championship.”

Sykes needs to outscore Aruba.it Racing Ducati’s Chaz Davies in order to secure a Kawasaki 1-2 int eh riders’ championship and is aiming to go all-out against the Welsh rider. Despite missing the majority of FP2, Sykes still ended the day third on the combined times ahead of Davies in fourth.

“This year here we are going for glory and hoping to have Chaz a run for his money to try to come out on top,” he said.