Official: Tom Sykes joins Josh Brookes at PBM Ducati for 2022 BSB season

The worst kept BSB secret is out as Tom Sykes has officially joined PBM Ducati alongside 2020 champion Josh Brookes. 

While the 2022 season will mark Brookes’ fourth in a row with the team, Sykes makes a return to British Superbike after spending the last 13 seasons in World Superbike. 

The 2013 world champion, who was in talks regarding moves to either stay in WorldSBK or join MotoAmerica earlier this year, has instead chosen a return to the championship where it all began. 

2022 will also see Sykes make his Ducati debut after having spent his BSB and WorldSBK career riding for Suzuki, Honda, Kawasaki and most recently BMW. 

Speaking about his new challenge with Ducati, Sykes said: "I am very excited and motivated for this great opportunity to race in BSB with PBM. In terms of a domestic championship, it certainly doesn’t get any better - the level of competition is obviously high and there is some great talent. 

"To be back with PBM is fantastic, it is a team I have been a part of before, both in BSB and in WSBK and one that has all of the pedigree for the task ahead.

"I will also be riding a Ducati for the first time in my career after riding for five other manufacturers in the Superbike category. 

"This alone adds more excitement and motivation to the pot! It will also be interesting to explore the different characteristics of the bike in BSB with the different technical regulations. 

"Finally, to be part of PBM and Ducati in BSB, racing in front of the home crowd makes me really happy."

In terms of his team-mate Brookes, the Australian confirmed last month that he would be staying with Ducati after a contract agreement was already in place during the 2021 season.

Like with Scott Redding when the new BMW WorldSBK rider joined the Paul Bird-led team in 2019, Brookes will arguably have the strongest team-mate on the entire BSB grid. 

Brookes added: "Firstly I would like to thank Paul for giving me the opportunity to ride for the team again. I enjoy racing the Ducati and I am now really eager for the off season to end so that we can get back testing and focus on the opening round of the championship!

"I also want to thank all of the team sponsors, as together we can take on this fight again for the championship."