Kawasaki Racing Team's Tom Sykes (Photo: InFront Motor Sports)

Similarly, the ZX-10R, while less frequently cited for its untapped potential than the BMW S 1000 RR, is a spec-sheet dynamo and this year's increased oversight from KHI might just see that reflected on the results sheet.

Just like following his rookie effort of 2009, Sykes was nearly left on the outside looking for 2012. Last year at the Nurburgring it was officially confirmed that Kawasaki would restructure its World Superbike program and that PBM would no longer carry the torch for the manufacturer following the conclusion of the '11 season. Sykes, too, was informed that his services would no longer be required.

However, he responded to the tough news by going out and claiming his (and the new ZX-10R's) first World Superbike win in treacherous conditions later that day.

That was enough to force a rethink by the powers that be. And that change of heart might pay dividends as early as this weekend.

Or maybe it's all an illusion. Legitimate World Superbike title contention is not built upon a few quick laps turned here and there in testing and unusually strong wet track form.

I've long felt that Sykes has been underrated -- judged too harshly for too long simply because he's not Ben Spies. His innate skills are arguably on par with the series' other young Brits, any one of whom would have suffered a similar fate if dealt that same hand back in '09.

Whether or not he takes that next step forward in 2012 armed with renewed confidence and capable equipment is yet to be proven… But Sykes(!) or psych(!) -- we're due to get some preliminary evidence in the coming days.