Guintoli makes Suzuki debut
Added on Wednesday, November 5th, 2008 by Carole Nash Editor
Guintoli in action at Brands
Former MotoGP rider Sylvain Guintoli made his debut appearance on his new Crescent Suzuki superbike yesterday and was in high spirits as he prepares to make his bow in the British Superbike Championship.
The Frenchman, who has a forgettable season with the Alice Ducati MotoGP team this year, will form half of the new Suzuki line-up after Tom Sykes and Atushi Watanabe both left the team at the end of the season.
After quitting the MotoGP paddock, Guintoli’s signature proved to be a big coup for the Suzuki factory team and the 26-year-old was impressed with the GSX-R1000 following an 88-lap session at Brands Hatch.
Talking about his first Superbike outing, Guintoli commented, “Today has been a very positive first ride for me. It was not about setting lap times, but more about getting used to the characteristics of a Superbike.
“Having not raced at Brands Hatch before there was quite a lot to take in, but I still managed to end the day feeling very comfortable.
“The GSX-R1000 is an impressive package and I’m now very eager to start the new season with Crescent Suzuki.”
Crescent Suzuki Team Manager, Jack Valentine added, “We’ve all been impressed by Sylvain’s attitude and ability to switch so easily to the Superbike today.
“While he’s had to ride the 2008 model, it gives us all a good base to start with, before we commence track tests on the 2009 bike.”
