THE BMW Motorrad WorldSBK team has confirmed that Tom Sykes will sit out the next round of the World Superbike championship at Jerez this weekend.
A statement released by the team confirms the move is down to injuries Sykes suffered in the previous round of the championship at Catalunya.
The 2013 WorldSBK champion was involved in a collision with Puccetti Kawasaki rider Lucas Mahias on lap two of the previous round. Sykes was initially diagnosed with a head injury and concussion following the crash and was transported to Catalunya Hospital for checks. There he remained for two days of observation before being released a couple of days ago.
Tom Sykes WorldSBK replacement named…
Stepping in to replace Sykes is 12-time WorldSBK winner Eugene Laverty, who will be moving up from the RC Squadra Corse team and into the factory garage for the popular Jerez round. Having already contested rounds for the RC Squadra Corse team this season, Laverty raced for the factory-backed BMW squad last season, partnering with the injured Yorkshireman in 2020.
The statement from the BMW Motorrad WorldSBK team reads:
BMW Motorrad WorldSBK rider Tom Sykes (GBR) will not participate in the coming round of the FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) at Jerez de la Frontera (ESP) this weekend. The decision has been taken in light of the injury he suffered in the accident in last Sunday’s race in Barcelona (ESP). Sykes will now fully focus on his recovery in order to be ready for the following round at Portimão (POR).
At Jerez de la Frontera, BMW factory rider Eugene Laverty (IRL) will stand in and line up for the BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team.
The entire BMW Motorrad Motorsport family wishes Tom a very speedy recovery.
