Tom Sykes returned to the Bennetts British Superbike Championship at the R&G Official Test at Snetterton with the PBM team last weekend. The former World Champion made his debut on the MCE Ducati and rapidly adapted to the new machine and new circuit layout to lap under the existing circuit record, finishing the test second fastest.
Sykes has previously lined up for Paul Bird’s team at both World and British Championship level, and the test last weekend marked his much-anticipated return to the series. On his first visit to the 300 circuit, Sykes was just 0.072s adrift of the pace-setting lap, as he builds momentum for the opening round at Silverstone this Easter.
Sykes said: “On day three at Snetterton the weather started out a bit tricky so we missed the first session in the morning. On the last day we had only planned to do one session anyway, which was the one we did, and it was glorious in the afternoon!
“The last session was used just to try a few things and understand the package a little bit more, but overall it was a really positive three day test. We got lucky with the weather, everything seems to have gone to plan, and now I understand quite a lot more. Now we need to look where we need to improve and keep working.
“We obviously have the next upcoming test at Donington Park, looking at the forecast it doesn’t look like we are going to get as many blessings there, but the season is getting closer and after these three days I definitely feel more prepared. The main thing was to get an understanding on where we need to improve.
“The Ducati has a lot of strong areas and I know there are areas also to work on and so it has been a positive start at this test in that respect.”