British Superbikes: Tom Sykes signs for Rizla Suzuki

Rizla Suzuki have completed their 2008 line-up with the signing Tom Sykes.

The 22-year-old from Huddersfield with ride alongside Rizla’s other new signing Atsushi Watanabe, the 2007Japanese Superbike champion.

Tom Sykes had a fantastic rookie season in British Superbikes with Stobart Honda but it came as a shock when rumours broke he was in talks with the Rizla team.

Now the deal has be confirmed and Tom Sykes said: “I’ve had a great season with the Stobart Honda team but with Watanabe coming to BSB, there’s going to be more factory support for the Rizla team and that’s an important factor.”

Rizla Suzuki has already built and raced their 2008-spec GSX-R1000 and will continue to develop the bike throughout the winter.

Tom Sykes is expected to be testing the bike later this week.

Sykes expands on his reasons for switching from Stobart Honda to Rizla Suzuki in this week’s MCN, available from November 7, 2007.