Jack Valentine hoping for Rizla Suzuki resurgence after two-week break

Rizla Suzuki Team Manager Jack Valentine is looking for a storming return to BSB action from his rider pairing after a two-week lay-off of British Superbike action.

Back in May Sykes scored a fifth in race one and was unlucky in race two coming off worse in a coming together with Leon Haslam.

But with the circuit being one of Sykes’ favourites on the calendar, and a track that’ll suit his aggressive riding style, his team boss says a pole position and wins won’t be out of the question.

Valentine said: “It will be good to get back after the short break that we have had.

“Everyone has had a chance to recharge and Rizla Suzuki is more than ready for Oulton Park.

“Tom loves racing at Oulton and last time we were there in May he showed what he is capable of.

“There is no reason why he can’t be on the front row and on top of the podium.

“The Rizla Suzuki GSX-R 1000 is working really well and the nimble chassis paired with the strong engine is just what is required at Oulton.”

Sykes’ team-mate, Atsushi Watanabe, had his joint best result of the season at Oulton last time out in May with a ninth in race two following a 13th finish in the opening race.

And with so many BSB riders being off a superbike for the past fortnight, the two-time reigning Japanese Superbike Champion has been GSX-R1000 bound in Japan preparing for the Suzuka Eight Hour race.

“I think this will be a strong round for Atsu as he has raced at Oulton before and track knowledge at a complex circuit is everything,” added Valentine.

“He has been in Japan preparing for Suzuka so he will have spent plenty of time on a bike and be more than ready to race his Rizla Suzuki at Oulton.

“Since he already knows the circuit I think a top 10 qualifying and race result will be more than achievable.”