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Q&A with Sylvain Guintoli on his 2013 with Aprilia

Friday, 11 January 2013 16:45 GMT
Q&A with Sylvain Guintoli on his 2013 with Aprilia

The 2013 eni FIM Superbike World Championship is six weeks away from its Season Opener at Phillip Island and Sylvain Guintoli - new recruit of the Aprilia Racing Team after the retirement of the two-time and last year's SBK World Champion Max Biaggi - is boosted with confidence entering his first experience in the series as factory rider with the current Winning Manufacturer from Noale. WorldSBK.com spoke to Guintoli regarding this new step in his career.


There's not much time left until your season debut with Aprilia Racing. What are your thoughts about this new challenge? How well have you already familiarized with your new crew?


'I am very excited about starting the 2013 season with Aprilia Racing. The first contact with the RSV4 Factory and crew in Jerez was fantastic and made me understand how much potential the team has. We understood each other straight the way, in English, in Italian, and sometimes just by pulling faces!'


You showed great speed during last November's test at Jerez. Did you click with the RSV4 straight away? How would you describe the bike in comparison with the ones you rode in the past?


'The bike and I clicked after only a few laps. The RSV4 Factory is the most powerful superbike I ever rode but the controls are astonishing. Basically, it's a very efficient bike. Efficiency is easier to be transformed into good lap times. The RSV4 Factory is also the most amusing bike, a lot of fun to ride!'


You started your World Superbike career on a four-cylinder 1000cc, but your best results were last year on a twin-cylinder bike. Does it make any difference which engine concept your bike relies on?


'World Superbike hosts the Championship for many different bikes and still the battles are very close and the racing very entertaining for spectators - and also for us. This means that the bikes are all performing in a very close range so it's all about a few tenths of a second, understanding well the Pirelli tyres and getting the best out of what's available to you. I think my results last year were more down to experience and also about less time spent at the hospital!'


Your career in World Superbike hasn't been so far an easy one, due to several issues you faced in the past seasons. How much of Sylvain Guintoli's skills we haven't seen yet?


'We will have to wait until next year to see...'


Apparently you won't be able to test the bike again until February. Will this affect your first part of the season or do you think you are already at a good point?


'Testing is an important part and we have plenty coming soon. It was good to have a couple of months off, spending time with my family and enjoy mountain biking in UK. I think time off is as important as time on, a sort of mental recovery. I already feel the need for speed and, by early February, this energy will be important to start with maximum motivation.'


What are your goals for the next season then?


'I want to win races and be on the podium as often as possible. As the Queen would say: If one manages this, one will lift the big trophy in the end!'