Sylvain Guintoli has finally achieved his life long dream of becoming World Champion today, as he clinched the 2014 World Superbike title after an impressive performance at Losail International Circuit, Qatar. In what was the final race day of the year, the 32 year old Frenchman managed to overcome a 12 point deficit to last year’s champion Tom Sykes and, by taking an impressive double under the Qatari floodlights, he edged out the Briton by just six points at the end of an enthralling season.

Guintoli is the second champion in the WSBK history from France after Raymond Roche, who won the title back in 1990. Unlike in 2004, when Regis Laconi lost to James Toseland in the final race of the year, it was the French rider this time to come out on top against an English rival.

In his second year as official Aprilia rider, ‘Guinters’ had a tally of 5 wins, 16 podium finishes and 2 Pole Positions, and making his remarkable consistency count in results: he never failed to make it to the finish line. Even in race two at Portimao, when he rejoined after colliding with teammate Melandri, he nevertheless claimed a seventh place at the chequered flag.