The BMW Motorrad WorldSBK team has provided an update on the condition of its rider Tom Sykes, confirming he has suffered a ‘severe concussion’ but no further injuries following his accident during this weekend’s WorldSBK event in Spain.
Sykes was taken directly to the Hospital General de Catalunya after falling on the second lap of Race 2 at Turn 1, with reports suggesting he was struck by the Kawasaki of a close-following Lucas Mahias as he came down.
It is understood Sykes lost consciousness in the direct aftermath of the impact but was conscious and talking by the time he was being transferred to hospital.
With BMW reporting a suspected concussion on Sunday night, a further update has seen him diagnosed with ‘severe concussion’ and will need to stay in hospital for further observation.
Nevertheless, the team says he is in good spirits before extending its gratitude towards the marshals and medical staff at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya for its response.
“We are in constant contact with Tom,” says BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director Marc Bongers. “He is in good spirits and is back to his usual self, cracking jokes. We are delighted that he has come through this accident relatively well.
“He remains under observation due to the severe concussion, but no further injuries have been determined. We now have to wait and see what this coming weekend will look like. We will provide more information as soon as we get it.
“We would like to thank the track marshals, the medical staff at the circuit and in the hospital, and everyone who helped Tom so well after his accident and who are continuing to help him.”
Though BMW says it hasn’t been determined whether Sykes could potentially still race in Jerez this weekend, it is expected he will be forced to sit out the second of three back-to-back events as a precaution.
In his place is expected to come BMW test rider Eugene Laverty, who has been without a ride since his RC Squadra Corse outfit withdrew before Round 5 at Assen.
