Tom Sykes had a challenging first day in Indonesia after the Puccetti Kawasaki rider WorldSBK contracted gastroenteritis.

While a number of the paddock are also suffering with the intestinal virus, Sykes completed 17 laps across Friday’s two free practice sessions, recording a best effort of 1’36.140 to place him 20th overall.

“Unfortunately, it’s been a difficult couple of days,” Sykes confirmed from the Pertamina Mandalika Circuit. “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.”