BSB: Guintoli future in doubt after tough start to year?

Sylvain Guintoli’s future in the MCE British Superbike Championship could be in doubt with Bennetts Suzuki team bosses visibly frustrated after his worst weekend of the season. 

The 2014 World Champion sits just 16^th in the championship standings after a dismal first half of the year with the all-new GSX-R, behind rookie team-mate Bradley Ray who took two top ten results at Brands Hatch this weekend while Guintoli retired from the opening race with an exhaust issue before finishing an embarrassing 17^th in the second.

“I’m not going to lie, we haven’t really had the results we’ve been expecting,” said team boss Steve Hicken told MCN. “It’s not good, we’ll have a chat in the week and see where we can go forward as it’s not what we’re here for.” 

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When quizzed by MCN about the issues, Guintoli said they need to improve the ‘overall package’ but while Hicken admits the bike isn’t perfect, he says it’s not the only thing that needs to improve.

“We can definitely improve the bike, but I’m not sure it’s just the bike,” he continued. “Myself and the lads in the team will be working all the hours god sends to make it right, but I’m not sure the bike is that bad, the rookie on it finished eighth and was in the mix with good lap times. Sure, there’s probably more to come from the bike but that can be said for the rider too.” 

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