WSB Jerez: Eugene Laverty to replace Tom Sykes at BMW

Tom Sykes has been ruled out of this weekend’s WorldSBK meeting at Jerez and will be replaced at the factory BMW team by Eugene Laverty.

Sykes suffered a severe concussion during a crash at turn one in Barcelona last weekend, an incident which led to the 2013 champion being taken to hospital. Thankfully, no further injuries were diagnosed but the Brit was kept in hospital for observation before being discharged on Tuesday.

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As a result of Sykes’ head injury, Laverty returns to the team which he departed at the end of the 2020 season. As a factory BMW rider, riding the old S1000 RR, Laverty secured one pole position at Magny-Cours and a best result of seventh in Barcelona. The campaign proved to be a tough one for all BMW riders across WorldSBK and BSB.

Laverty, runner-up to Sykes in 2013 on an Aprilia, spent the opening four rounds of 2021 with the independent RC Squadra Corse BMW squad. However, the team has not competed since Aragon, leaving Laverty without a full-time ride.

Laverty will compete alongside Michael van der Mark this weekend, and possibly next weekend at Portimão – depending on Sykes’ recovery. Laverty will be hoping for a strong weekend on the M1000 RR, with teams within the paddock looking to confirm their plans for 2022.