British Superbikes: Rizla Suzuki riders Sykes and Watanabe head to NEC Show

Rizla Suzuki’s newly-signed British Superbike riders Tom Sykes and Atsushi Watanabe will make their first public appearance together this Thursday (November 22, 2007) during the International Motorcycle Show at the NEC in Birmingham.

The Motorcycle Show runs from press/ trade day on November 22 to Sunday December 2 and will play host to numerous motorcycling stars.

This is the first time double Japanese Champion Atsushi Watanabe will meet his team-mate and visit the show.

Atsushi Watanabe said: “It will be very special to meet Tom for the first time. I hope we can work well for Rizla Suzuki and I am looking forward to meeting the British fans.

“Everyone tells me they are the best fans – we will see.”

Former Stobart Honda rider Tom Sykes is also keen to get to know his team-mate and start his time with Rizla Suzuki.

Sykes said: “The show will be my first public appearance as an official Rizla Suzuki rider and that is an exciting prospect.

“I can’t wait to meet Watanabe and spend more time with my team. I’ve heard the show will have a lot going on and I’m looking forward to having a good look round.”

Tom Sykes will return to the Suzuki stand on Wednesday, November 28 for the Bennetts British Superbike Awards, which will be held on the Black Horse Stage; as well as appearing on the Suzuki stand on Saturday, December 1 and Sunday, December 2.

• See this week’s MCN (November 21, 2007) for a free 32-page guide to the NEC Motorcycle and Scooter Show