Sykes wins WSBK title

British rider Tom Sykes (Kawasaki) sealed the 2013 Superbike World Championship overnight at the Jerez circuit in Spain, after a sensational season haul of 18 podiums, nine race wins and 13 fastest laps.

The 28-year-old from Huddersfield – who missed out on the 2012 title by half-a-point -- made no mistakes in race one with a solid third place, which was enough to clinch the title with a race to spare.

“Words cannot describe how I feel. I am very level headed but since Magny-Cours there are moments where my mind started dreaming,” said Sykes, who is now a five-year WSBK veteran. “When I was dreaming I had goose bumps and it was magical to even dream I could be world champion.

“But that was maybe two per cent of what I am feeling now after winning the title. It was good for the championship that it got decided at the final round again, especially here with these great fans. My team is mostly Spanish so it is a home round for them. The championship win has not fully sunk in yet but it will do soon, I’m sure.”

Aprilia rider Eugene Laverty took two victories at Jerez and finished second in the title chase, 23 points behind Sykes. Laverty’s team-mate Sylvain Guintoli was third overall..

Sykes' win was particularly sweet for Kawasaki, a long 20 years after its last world crown courtesy of American Scott Russell in 1993.

In race one, Laverty got up after a superb overtake on Marco Melandri (BMW) at the last turn. The two riders pulled away in the early laps, with Laverty leader for most of race until the penultimate tour, when the Italian passed the Irishman at turn six.

Guintoli finished a lonely fourth, ahead of Toni Elias (Aprilia) and Davide Giugliano (Aprilia).

In race two, Sykes gathered his concentration to lead for 13 laps of the 21-lap battle, before Laverty overtook the new world champ to claim his second double win of the season and his ninth race victory of the year -- the  same number as Sykes. Guintoli completed the podium by crossing the line a lonely third, ahead of Elias, Chaz Davies (BMW) and Leon Camier (Suzuki).

Australians Mark Aitchison (Kawasaki) and Broc Parkes (Yamaha) recorded 10-9 and 18-12 results respectively.

World Supersport
Sam Lowes (Yamaha) put the icing on the cake of his title-winning season by crossing the line victorious after 20 laps. The Englishman had his last, successful battle, with Kenan Sofuoglu (Kawasaki): the Turk did his best to keep the lead after several overtaking manoeuvres, but Lowes managed to pass him once more, with two laps to go, and pulled away for the win.

Roberto Rolfo (MV Agusta) had the better of Michael van der Mark (Honda) for third, while Australia’s Brodie Waters (Honda) was 26th.

For full results and standings, visit www.worldsbk.com/en/season.html.