Tom Sykes will no longer be a BMW factory team rider in WSBK in 2022. His place alongside Van der Mark, who only joined from Yamaha this season, will be taken by Scott Redding from Ducati. He certainly has a track record but also no experience of a motorcycle equipped with an in-line four-cylinder engine. This is why the Bavarian brand does not want to let the 2013 WSBK World Champion slip away on Kawasaki. However, the latter only moderately appreciates the situation…
Tom Sykes is quite discreet about what still remains the loss of a factory handlebar. Certainly, BMW assures its pilot of 36 years that he would still have an official contract, but his workspace would then be the Bonovo MGM satellite team as a priori teammate of Folger. However, the results are not yet there this year for this team which should also arm itself for a second driver. Which creates a lot of uncertainty.
Sykes also regrets this strategy: “ what frustrates and disappoints me, it’s the fact that this project needs more development, we need to take the momentum with it. When you move me to a new environment, you break the very strong bond I have with my team. Such a project needs stability, which is disrupted. You can also see things differently: Scott could have gone to the other team ». BMW tries to allow Sykes to bring his most important people to Bonovo. “ This would of course make the offer more attractive », underlined the player of 36 years.
Tom Sykes: “I grew up respecting people”
Because at the moment it is only an offer. Sykes hasn't decided anything yet. And even less so since a place should become available at Honda who has every chance of losing, in this game of musical chairs, a Baptist who would take up his quarters with Ducati, instead of Redding... " We talk about Honda, we all know the potential of Honda "said Sykes on speedweek. " Of course I would consider them too ».
The situation is even less certain for BMW which Sykes was personally affected by this transfer… “ I didn't hear about this decision until very late and I'm disappointed ", declared the Englishman to 34 victories. “ I didn't expect this and was surprised by the lack of communication. I grew up respecting people, whatever their path in life. From what I hear in the paddock is that things started a long time ago, which brings us back to respect. I would have liked to speak to Dr. Schramm, for whom I have a lot of respect and whom I appreciate very much. ". This disappointment could make the difference in Tom Sykes.
