As the 2021 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship heads for its penultimate tango and the Motul Argentinean Round from the Circuito San Juan Villicum, one rider won’t be making the trip. Tom Sykes (BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) was injured during Race 2 of the Hyundai N Catalunya Round back in September but despite making huge gains to bounce back to fitness, he won’t be in San Juan. Sykes will once again be replaced by Eugene Laverty who lines up alongside Michael van der Mark, but vows to be back for the Indonesian Round in November.

Speaking ahead of the Motul Argentinean Round, Sykes said: “I have many things to say and many people to thank for many reasons and I will do this in the very near future on a personal level to give more detail. But for now, I just need to speak on behalf of the BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team, and I want to say that my recovery has been incredible, and I am at the position to be ready to go back to my passion that is racing.

“Unfortunately given the timing of these back-to-back races and the fly away in Argentina, it just left us going there with a couple of questions, so unfortunately we had to make an early decision which meant we have to be out for one more round. It is hard for me because I have missed more races in the last four weeks than I have missed in my 21 years of racing. The main thing is we are looking at the return to racing and look to enjoy the last round of the WorldSBK championship. Thanks again to all, it is really appreciated. Tom.”

Shaun Muir, team principal, also commented on Sykes’ absence but hopes that Laverty can pick up some good results in Argentina: “We are pleased to be going back to Argentina for our first overseas event of the season. We are ready to fight for the podium again after a successful Portimao event. The team is well prepared. Once again, due to the recovery of Tom, Eugene will step in at this event. Hopefully, Eugene can pick up on his positions at Portimao. He did a very good job there and has a good experience at the San Juan circuit so he should be ready for the weekend.

“Mickey came away from Portugal with strong finishes. I think his confidence is on a high, the bike is working well for him, and he also knows the San Juan circuit well. So overall, we feel that we are in a good position. It goes without saying that we really hope that Tom can get back soon and finish the season with the team. It is a shame that he could not make it to Argentina, but we fully understand the circumstances regarding being in a fit condition to be able to travel overseas.”

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