Sykes wants to stay despite being overshadowed by Spies

Britain’s Tom Sykes remains determined to keep his ride in the factory Yamaha World Superbike team in 2010, but knows he faces stiff competition for the coveted ride.

Sykes currently sits seventh in the World Superbike Championship standings on 150 points – 30 points behind Leon Haslam in sixth and just five points ahead of Carlos Checa in eighth. 

Speaking to MCN Sykes said:
“I’d love to stay because I’ve learnt a lot and I don’t want this year to go to waste. With the exception of Ben (Spies) I feel I’ve had a pretty good rookie year and I’m seventh in the championship There is no question that I’ve been overshadowed by Ben and there are obviously a few people out there that want my ride.”

During his rookie season, Sykes is yet to find the confidence and setting to allow him to challenge for race wins. In the opening 20 races he has been unable to secure a podium finish with a best result of fourth at Assen.

Despite being unable to match the pace of his American team-mate, Sykes has warned any potential candidates for his ride that it might not be as easy as Spies is making it look.

He said: “There are a few people out there that think they could get on this bike and do a better job, they think that they could get on it and do what Ben is doing. I have to say that I think they would be in for a bit of a surprise and they’d be setting themselves up for a big fall.”