"Big interest… never say never!" – Sykes and Davies on potential HRC switch for 2022
Two big names, one big manufacturer: could we see Sykes or Davies at Honda for next year?
The 2021 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship is in full swing, and the title race is as thrilling as it has ever been heading into the eighth round of the season at Magny-Cours and the Motul French Round. However, whilst there’s an array of talking points on the circuit, there’s a truck-load of conversation and discussion off of it, particularly with regards to the Team HRC rider line-up for 2022.
Two names in contention are Tom Sykes and Chaz Davies. Sykes has already been told that there’s no room for him at the factory BMW squad, whilst Davies hasn’t got anything penned for 2022 as of yet. Both riders have enjoyed podiums in 2021 so far and both have valuable experience, but could they fit at Honda?
When asked about his future, Sykes stated: “It’s been a talking point and I think everybody now understands the situation and shares their own views on it. I think now that there’s nothing can be done for me, and I just want to continue with what I enjoy, which is pushing myself and getting the most from me and the team.”
When pushed further about the prospects of joining Team HRC, having already previously stated that it would be of “big interest”, Sykes confirmed that he remains interested in the prospects of HRC: “Obviously, definitely. Going into a little bit of detail, of course the project would be of big interest. Everybody knows HRC as a brand very well, and it is a project with a lot of potential, and I think that my experience and speed would work well there. We will see but like I said, for now, we’ve got a job to do.”
However, Chaz Davies was not as optimistic about being able to join the outfit, although refused to rule it out completely: “No further on with regards to 2022, obviously I’ve got my ears open for potential opportunities but I’m not going to go rushing into anything. I’m not sure on the rumours, there’s rumours and then there’s reality. To be honest I think Honda have their strategy in mind with who they’d like to put on the bike and I’m not sure I’m at the front of the queue. I’m not sure it’d be a realistic option but never say never.”
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