BSB: Sykes refuses to rule out BSB return for 2019

Tom Sykes has refused to rule out a return to the Bennetts British Superbike championship as he continues to evaluate his options for the 2019 season.

The 2013 World Champion is currently without a ride after being ousted from the factory Kawasaki squad to make room for Leon Haslam, who steps up to WSB next year.

News on Sykes’ future has been quiet since the announcement of his Kawasaki departure, but the Yorkshireman has been linked to a number of World Superbike teams including Red Bull Honda and Shaun Muir Racing. However, a number of other riders on the market including Marco Melandri and Eugene Laverty there is every chance Sykes could find himself out in the cold.

During this weekend’s Oulton Park round, whispers emerged that Sykes had been in contact with the Be Wiser Ducati British Superbike squad about a potential return to Britain should a seat on the world stage not materialise.

Despite numerous rumours, Paul Bird’s squad are yet to confirm their plans for the 2019 season with MotoGP rider Scott Redding tipped to be in the driving seat. However, should Redding opt not to move across Sykes, who already has five BSB wins to his name, would be a good shout.

“I’m obviously on the market and Birdy runs a very tight ship,” Sykes said, responding to the PBM rumours. “Everyone can see the level of where his team is at in BSB. It’s too early to say anything, but you can never say never in this game.

“There are a couple of exciting things going on in World Superbikes at the minute and I know on the right package I have very good potential, so that keeps me very motivated.”