Sykes: I was pushing the boundaries, M 1000 RR got the glory it deserves

Donington Park specialist Tom Sykes claimed his first podium finishes of the 2021 WorldSBK campaign - first on the new M 1000 RR bike. 

Sykes is the most successful rider ever around Donington Park in the World Superbike class with nine wins. 

So while a good result was no surprise, a double podium wasn’t necessarily predicted for a BMW machine that has struggled for much of this season. 

Sykes went down twice on Friday as ‘I was pushing the boundaries’ in order to make such a result possible.   

"On Friday, I was pushing the boundaries and went to the deck twice. Normally I ride to the limit and stop just like I did today in the race," said Sykes.  

"The guys did an incredible job, giving me a perfect bike in terms of what we had available in our tool box so I think we got the best from our package this weekend. 

"Still, we need to improve but this is a whole confidence boost for the team and me. It gives everyone what they deserve."

Crucially for Sykes, the British rider was fast in both wet and dry conditions, as was team-mate Michael Van Der Mark who also claimed a podium in the Superpole race - first with BMW.  

Sykes added: "In the dry conditions we certainly looked strong. In the wet conditions, we looked very strong so I’m happy for this. 

"Front row in the wet for both myself and Michael, a podium in those tricky conditions for myself and Michael and then in the dry conditions were back on it. 

"Like the number ten bus today, the M 1000 RR has finally got the glory it deserves!"