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Donington WSBK: Sykes equals Bayliss’ pole record

Kawasaki Racing’s Tom Sykes has equalled World Superbike legend Troy Bayliss’ pole record, and is joint second in the Championship’s history, behind Troy Corser. The Northerner bagged his 26th career pole in the series after lapping a time that was three tenths quicker than his own best lap record.

A 1’27.071 was good enough for him to edge ahead of rival, and team-mate Jonathan Rea and Sykes is pleased that he managed to find that extra pace to snatch P1 from the Isle of Man based resident.

A good start is the main aim for Sykes during the double-header on Sunday and he is looking to emulate his previous good form at the track and win another double victory. If he is successful he will be the only rider in World Superbike history to win three consecutive back-to-back double wins at the English track.

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“To take pole is nice and we have a good grid slot for tomorrow, you can’t be greedy. I am very happy for this and I found a set-up in time and hope to put some pressure on the race. I went into the second lap in turn one and the bike was sliding nicely. We did enough today, and tomorrow is another day and there [could be] a change in the weather forecast but I am in a good place for that,” said Sykes, speaking to bikesportnews.com at the track.

“My plan is to get a good start and we are good for race distance. I am joint second with Bayliss for poles and getting amongst the legends and the all time greats - and people I admire when I go racing, it truly is nice. We have the speed and consistency and we are finding that again. Being the pole man is good but I want to work on championships now.”

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