BMW Motorrad's Tom Sykes believes the chassis strength of his S1000RR could be key to podium pace at the Magny-Cours WorldSBK clash this weekend - especially if the forecast rain makes an appearance.

Sykes is well aware the Nevers track has a long straight but says his chassis superiority should go some way to making up for the horsepower deficit.

"I feel that the chassis could work really well in a couple of the sectors there. I’ve always enjoyed riding on the track layout there so hopefully we can utilise that to our advantage," said Sykes.

Of course, there is a very long straight there which we can’t deny we probably will face some difficulties on.

"But I’m looking forward to working with the team again and going in the direction which we have done all year, which is slowly working towards where we need to be.

"Unfortunately, the weather forecast does not look particularly welcoming, but on a positive, we’ve also had very strong results with the new RR in wet conditions. So we’ll go there and try to make as strong a weekend as possible.”