Donington BSB: Sylvain Guintoli fired up for 'home' race

Sylvain Guintoli is confident he can maintain his 100 per cent podium record in his ‘home’ race at Donington Park on Bank Holiday Monday.

The French rider is classing the clash at the Leicestershire circuit his home race, given he lives just 20 minutes away from Donington Park.

Guintoli has yet to finish off the podium in the opening two rounds of the 2009 British Superbike series, the former MotoGP rider impressing on the Worx Crescent Suzuki GSX-R1000.

And he is optimistic he can continue his form as he looks to chase down series leader Leon Camier, who holds an 11-point lead over Guintoli heading to Donington Park.

“I’m definitely looking forward to racing at Donington Park. It’s the first track that I’ve been to this season that I have previous racing experience at, due to my time in MotoGP. I live in a village about 20 minutes away from the circuit, so it also feels like my home round, “said Guintoli. “I think experience will play a part in deciding where the race will be won or lost. The good thing for us is that I know the circuit very well. I do like Donington Park as I’ve had some good races there, so it always feels like a very positive place, “added Guintoli.

Since winning on his BSB debut at Brands Hatch, Guintoli has also claimed a second place and he was third in both races at the last round at Oulton Park.

His solid start has delighted Guintoli and he’s ready for more success at Donington.
He said: “The season’s going really well. I don’t think that there is a secret as such. I just feel that I’m in a great team and feel really confident, so everything is flowing. I’ve never tried the Superbike class before, but it seems to really suit my riding style and the results have followed.”

It is obvious that Camier will provide Guintoli’s biggest challenge in 2009, with the Airwaves Yamaha rider in dazzling form having won the last three races.

But Guintoli said there will be other contenders. “Leon Camier is definitely one of the title challengers. He has been consistent and will remain that way for the rest of the season. There will be others that will challenge at the front of the field, including Karl Harris and Stuart Easton, whose smooth riding style will suit Donington Park well.”

Guintoli holds some special memories of his previous visits to Donington, not least meeting his wife Caroline there when he was a 250GP rider in 2003. “I met my wife there in 2003, so I’d have to say that this is my strongest memory of the circuit. It’s brought me some good times, and some trouble too!