"The team has big plans for World Superbikes next year so I'm really looking forward to being part of them. The big factor for me was that I have worked with the team before and know how good they are, they're one of the best teams I've ridden for and I'll have the same crew chief as I had in my rookie season in BSB. I've learned a hell of a lot this year and the intention is to put that experience to good use and I've every confidence that the package will be very competitive in 2010," said Tom Sykes.
Sykes made his full time WSBK debut this season, competing for the Yamaha factory team, but only scored a best result of fourth place at Assen and currently sits eight in the standings. Since Yamaha reached an agreement with Crutchlow and Toseland (who will be replacing Ben Spies) for the 2010 WSBK season, Sykes had no choice but to sign with the Paul Bird Motorsport Kawasaki squad.
2009 is PBM's first year as the official Kawasaki Superbike team. According to a team’s official statement, it will also be announcing further details concerning a new title sponsor which will stay with the team for the next two years.
"I'm absolutely delighted that we have managed to sign both Chris and Tom, as they are both fantastic riders and I know they'll do a great job for us next season. Chris has proved how competitive he is on a Superbike as his results demonstrate and I've always rated Tom highly, that's why I handed him his first proper Superbike ride back in 2007. The team has made huge strides forward this year and we can now put into practice what we have learned and I fully expect us to be challenging at the sharp end in 2010," said Paul Bird, Team Owner.
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