Guintoli determined to prove worth in BSB
Added on Wednesday, April 8th, 2009 by Carole Nash Editor
Guintoli determined to prove worth in BSB
Sylvain Guintoli is likely to be the centre of attention at Brands Hatch as the new British Superbikes season gets underway this weekend.
The Frenchman joins up with the Worx Crescent Suzuki for the 2009 championship as the team’s sole rider in the British Superbike Championship, replacing now World Superbikes rider Tom Sykes and Japan’s Atsushi Watanabe.
The signing has been hailed as a major coup by Suzuki boss Jack Valentine but Guintoli could be forgiven for being slightly disappointed that he is lining up on the Brands Hatch grid this weekend, rather than the one in Losail.
Guintoli was rubbing shoulders with the MotoGP stars for the past two after stints with Tech 3 Yamaha and Pramac Ducati but the 26-year-old failed to impress in premier class racing, prompting him to make the step back to domestic superbike racing.
But Guintoli, who will be amongst the favourites for the title next season, has pledged to prove his worth in BSB this year, with a good start at Brands very much the target.
Talking to the BSB website Guintoli said: “I am really ready for Brands Hatch and the first races of the season. I have been prepared for my debut since we completed the last test in Spain and I know that the Worx Crescent Suzuki is well prepared for this weekend.
“We have a good base setting and with the extra day of testing on Good Friday we will be able to get out on circuit and make some small adjustments to the settings ahead of the races. For sure I am feeling confident and we need to get a good start and then go from there.
“I am so excited ahead of my first race in BSB; it will also be really interesting for me to see the whole grid out on track for the first time. I know I need to have a good opening round, score some strong points and be up there challenging. I am really looking forward to racing in front of the British fans and I want to show them what I am capable of, starting this weekend at Brands Hatch.”
