Sykes Romps to Double Victory at Donington

Defending World Superbike Champion, Tom Sykes, stormed his way to a brilliant double win at Donington after riding perfectly around the Leicestershire circuit to grab pole position.

It was the most dominant performance of the year for the Brit who has so far suffered in the shadow of his Kawasaki team-mate, and championship leader, Jonathan Rea.

Rea himself bagged a pair of second place finishes in his conquest to win his first global title on the big bikes, third on the podium in both races was Welshman Chaz Davies on the Aprilia. Here’s what they said after the day on home soil was done:

Tom Sykes #66 – Kawasaki Racing Team
Race 1 – 1^st Race 2 – 1^st
“A full set this weekend – two race wins, pole position and a new lap record. After some battles in race one I had a clean start in race two and I went a little bit faster down Craner and into the Old Hairpin to stop any passes, and away we went. When I saw that the gap was increasing I just had to be careful in how to manage the race. I was really happy with the race performance because Marcel my crew chief and all the boys have been working really well. It is good to win all the last six races here at Donington. We are getting there now and I am able to do a little bit more of what I want to with the bike.”

Jonathan Rea #65 – Kawasaki Racing Team
Race 1 – 2^nd Race 2 – 2^nd
“I did not accept defeat before the races but if there is one place where my team-mate was going to really excel it was here. I had a big moment in race two and I was really lucky. When I found a rhythm I realised that Tom was on a different racetrack today but I could finish second because I knew the pace of the Kawasaki in the second part would be strong. The points gap is now in three figures, which I cannot believe. It is incredible, so we just need to keep doing the same.”

Chaz Davies #7 – Aruba.it Racing – Ducati SBK Team
Race 1 – 3^rd Race 2 – 3^rd
“I’m really pleased with today’s results. The weekend wasn’t easy but we worked hard and to finish both races on the podium here is very positive. Today we simply weren’t on the same level as the Kawasakis and doing any better than third was difficult. In race two I had a small problem off the line that fortunately sorted itself out right away. We can only be happy, especially considering the fact that this has always been something of a bogey track for me. Thanks to my whole team for their great work this weekend and now we’ll focus on the next races.”