WSB: Sykes out after FP3 fireball

Tom Sykes looks likely to miss the remainder of the World Superbike round in Portugal after a terrifying crash in the third free practice session.

The Kawasaki Racing Team rider lost control of his ZX-10RR coming over the hill into turn nine with the bike bursting into flames upon impact.

Sykes was taken to the medical centre where he’s been diagnosed with a fracture to the little finger of his left hand.

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The WorldSBK medical team have ruled the Yorkshireman unfit, meaning he looks set to miss this afternoon’s qualifying session and opening race handing even more of an advantage to title rival and team-mate Jonathan Rea, who topped the session as it was restarted from countrymen Chaz Davies and Leon Camier.   

Sykes will now undergo surgery on the finger with the hope of being fit for Magny Cours. 

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