Sykes: BMW chassis strong, suffering speed deficit

Tom Sykes hopes to maximise the use of the new BMW S1000RR’s strong chassis to make up for the expected top speed deficit it will face at the Buriram circuit this weekend in Thailand.

After a solid World Superbike debut at Phillip Island for the new-look factory BMW squad highlighted by seventh place in race one, Sykes is hoping for further progress at the second round of the World Superbike championship in Thailand.

With the Buriram track dominated by two long straights, Sykes is bracing for a tough time in terms of outright speed, especially compared to the new Ducati V4 R which showed blistering top-end speed in Australia, but the 2013 World Superbike champion hopes to make up time in the twisty sections using the cornering speed and chassis strengths the new S1000RR holds.

“It always great to come and race at the Buriram circuit here in Thailand. Obviously my main focus this weekend is still to continue the development of the new BMW S1000RR, I’m feeling really confident in some ways but given our experience in the race at Phillip Island one of my only concerns is in the two long straights with the speed deficit we have,” Sykes said.

“However, the chassis on the BMW S1000RR is really good and is capable of taking on the rest of the field. I am looking forward to starting the race weekend and hope that we can continue the good progress made from winter test period.”

Sykes’s BMW team-mate Markus Reiterberger has echoed the same sentiments but is aiming for similar solutions at a circuit he’s favoured in the past.

“I really like Thailand. Firstly, because my best result in the Superbike World Championship came there – fifth place in 2016. Secondly, because the track really suits my riding style,” Reiterberger said.

“There are a lot of sections where you have to brake hard, which is my strength and something our new RR is also very good at. We just have to try not to lose too much on the long straights and then to make up in the corners what we are still currently losing on the straights.

“However, we are all working hard and I think that Thailand can be a good hunting ground for us. The heat will make it challenging for everyone, but we are well prepared and I believe we can have a good weekend. I am determined to do well and already looking forward to the weekend, as I really like the track and we found a positive trend in Phillip Island, which we will now carry into the race in Thailand.”