Guintoli to join BSB
Added on Monday, October 13th, 2008 by Carole Nash Editor | No Comments
Guintoli to wow British fans in 2009.
BSB outfit Rizla Suzuki have pulled off a major coup with the signing of MotoGP rider Sylvain Guintoli for the 2009 season.
Guintoli, currently with the Alice Ducati MotoGP team, will make the switch to the British Superbike Championship as Rizla Suzuki look to replace outgoing duo Tom Sykes and Atushi Watanabe.
The Frenchman, 26, has struggled in MotoGP this season but has nonetheless secured three top ten finishes this season with two rounds still to go, leaving Suzuki BSB manager Jack Valentine every reason to be positive for the new season,
“Sylvain brings MotoGP class to Suzuki and British Superbikes and I think he will be a race and Championship contender,” said Valentine. “He has real pedigree as his efforts in MotoGP have proved over the last two years, the sort of determination to succeed that matches the team’s ambitions and one of the best Superbikes in the world at his disposal in the Crescent developed Suzuki GSX-R1000.
“This signing means Suzuki will be fighting for top honours in BSB 2009. We will be putting a full test and development programme in place for Sylvan and no stone will be left unturned in our efforts to win.
“Sylvain will make his debut appearance for the team at the Suzuki stand at the NEC Show in late November and he is already excited to meet the public and fans. He is a breath of fresh air to the team and one that we have utmost confidence in for success in 2009.”
Suzuki GB Marketing Manager George Cheeseman added: “It is fantastic news that Sylvan has chosen to ride for Suzuki’s official British Superbike team - it is credit to the team and the BSB series that it can attract such an international talent.
“Suzuki is absolutely committed to success on the race track and this signing proves how serious we are at getting back the BSB title we won in 2004. Sylvan will have the all new GSX-R1000 at his disposal and together I think they will make a fantastic partnership and one that will lead from the front.”
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