WSB Qatar: Sykes targets podium

Tom Sykes believes he has the pace to run with his dominant team-mate Ben Spies after an impressive practice and qualifying session in Qatar.

The 23 year old will line up on the second row of the grid for the two races and needs a strong start to enable him to get away at the front and fight for the podium.

Since getting on the Yamaha R1, Sykes has been methodical in his approach and after a slow start is beginning to match the pace of Spies.

Speaking to MCN he said: “I’ve been making a little bit of progress in every session this weekend and we’re definitely going in the right direction. I’m getting closer and closer to Ben who is the pace setter in WSB right now.

The bike is working really well and I’m actually spoilt for choice with tyres as I’ve got three to choose from, all of which I could do a race distance on with good times.”