The second round of the Superbike World Championship taking place at the Pertamina Mandalika International Street Circuit of Lombok in Indonesia has not got off to the best start for Kawasaki Puccetti Racing. Rider Tom Sykes is struggling with an intestinal virus that meant he was only able to complete a limited number of laps during the day’s free practices, which ran in hot and sunny conditions.
In the morning’s first session, the English rider’s best time was a 1’37”726, a reference that he was able to improve on later in the day, despite his physical condition limiting the total number of laps made. With a time of 1’36”140, Tom concluded in twentieth place.
If his health permits, Sykes will be back on track tomorrow for the final practice, as well as the subsequent Superpole and race 1.
Pertamina Mandalika International Street Circuit – Indonesia
Superbike World Championship
Combined free practice results: 1) Rinaldi (Ducati) – 2) Bautista (Ducati) – 3) Razgatlioglu (Yamaha) – 4) Rea (Kawasaki) – 5) Van der Mark (BMW) ……. 20) Sykes (Kawasaki)
Tom Sykes
“Unfortunately, it’s been a difficult couple of days. I’m not very well and have a gastrointestinal problem so I’m suffering with that. Then the track conditions here at Mandalika mean we haven’t had the best day on track either. There is work to be done and there are definitely areas where we can improve with the Puccetti Kawasaki. Tomorrow’s another day though, so hopefully it will bring some improvement, both in terms of my health and the bike. We’ll keep trying.”
