News

After a long time spent on prototypes, Randy De Puniet has switched to production derived motorcycle racing to contest the 2015 eni FIM Superbike World Championship with team Crescent Suzuki. The experienced Frenchman is looking forward to the new challenge and already got a first taste of the WSBK-spec GSX-R 1000 machine today at Jerez, in what is the first of four day of testing for the English squad, on this very track, before the winter break. WorldSBK.com spoke to De Puniet during last week’s Motorcycle Live exhibition in Birmingham, England.

Firstly welcome to WorldSBK, you are heading off to Jerez for your first test on the GSXR what are your feelings ahead of riding as a World Superbike rider for the first time?
“I’m excited, for me it’s the start of the season, my 2015 season starts now which is important. I will try to do a lot because after Jerez there is no more riding before next year and even then not so many before the first race. So I must work a lot to learn the team, the bike, the tyres, and to go step by step. To be fast in the last days is my target.”

You are coming from MotoGP into a new series, a different format with 2 races, what are you expecting in your debut season?
“I don’t know, it’s a new challenge but there are many fast riders with a lot of experience riding Superbikes. I have no experience in Superbike that’s why it is like restarting from zero for me. I will try to give my best and we will see. After the test it will be a better indication of where we are even if not 100%.”

What’s your biggest challenge going to be?
“I want to be fast, I want to win, but right now it’s too early to say anything. We need to see the new rules, the potential of the bike. I need to have a good connection and feeling with the team but I’m not so worried about that. If we all work hard and I give my best then I think we can be at the top next year.”

Some new circuits for you in 2015. It’s been a while since you’ve had to learn a track. What are your thoughts about this part of racing in WSBK?
“It’s cool and there’s actually not so many new tracks for me. Portimao I haven’t been to but we have a test there in January. Thailand is new but then that will be new for everyone. I’ll need to learn Russia but it’s not a problem and I am excited to ride on different tracks.”

You may not have a lot of WSBK experience but you have had some success at Suzuka in the 8 hour race. Do you think that will help you?
“Yeah sure because when I rode in Suzuka and I didn’t know the plan for the future I could see that Superbike could be a good option too because I enjoyed the bike and I finally am here in WSBK and I am happy because I had so much fun on the Suzuki in Japan and that’s why I decided to come to WSBK and I think I can do a good season.”

If there was one track you could pick from the 2015 calendar, which are you most looking forward to racing on?
“I love Phillip Island and from the TV Portimao looks great fun to ride so I am excited to go there.”