Sykes Returns to BMW to Temporarily Replace Michael van der Mark
Cycle News Staff | May 9, 2023
Tom Sykes is returning temporarily to the BMW Motorrad Motorsport WorldSBK family and to the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team. The 37-year-old British rider will replace injured Michael van der Mark (he sustained a fractured left femur at Assen) until further notice in the FIM Superbike World Championship.
This is a press release from BMW Motorrad…
From 2019 to 2021, Sykes was a BMW Motorrad factory rider in the BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team and was involved in the BMW Motorrad WorldSBK project from the word go. He also played a key role in the development of the BMW M 1000 RR. In his three seasons as a BMW Motorrad works rider, Sykes recorded a total of six podium finishes and three pole positions.
“Welcome back, Tom. We are delighted to welcome Tom temporarily back to our WorldSBK family,” said BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director Marc Bongers. “This opportunity arose as Tom became available. We believe that he will be a great substitute for as long as it takes for Michael to recover from his injury. We are in constant contact with Michael, and he is making good progress. However, there is no date set for his return. Tom is an outstanding rider and, as well as having plenty of WorldSBK experience, he has been familiar with our project and the team from the very start.”
“I’m looking forward to temporarily return to the BMW Motorrad Motorsport and to the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team,” Sykes said. “I will work hard to support them as best as possible. I know them from the beginning on and was involved in developing the BMW M 1000 RR. Now I get the opportunity to contribute again to the development process. I’m looking forward to get on the new BMW M 1000 RR at the Misano test. At the same time, I wish my former team-mate Mickey all the best on his way to recovery while I give everything to stand in for him in the best possible way.”
