Sykes tests new R1 in Portugal
Added on Wednesday, November 5th, 2008 by Carole Nash Editor | No Comments
Sykes joined Spies in Yamaha's new-look line-up.
Tom Sykes got a first opportunity to try out the new Yamaha YZF-R1 IN Portimao today as he began his World Superbikes career.
The Huddersfield-born rider, who left British Superbikes at the end of the season, took to both the 2008 and 2009 Yamaha Superbikes along with new American teammate Ben Spies in poor conditions at the Portuguese circuit.
Sykes recorded a best time of 1:46.0 on the 2008 edition R1 but both Sykes and Yamaha were keeping tight-lipped about the performance of the 2009 model.
Speaking after the test, Sykes said: “The 2008 bike was a little bit different and we got the bike to how I wanted it and then put it to one side. I’m happy how quickly I got to grips with the 2008 bike, and if I had jumped out again after lunch when the track was at its best I could have put my head down and been happy with the outcome.”
Multi-AMA series champion Spies clocked the day’s fastest time at 1:44.0, just a fraction slower than Sunday’s race pace.
The American, who was strongly tipped with a move to MotoGP with Suzuki, was complimentary about his new teammate.
“The most important thing for me to do was to learn the Pirellis and Öhlins suspension, and it was my first day for a new bike, new track, new team,” he said.
“Tom is really good to work with. We tried to work through a lot together. The crew, the team, everything is just a great package and I am looking forward to next year.”
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