As Jonathan Rea clinched the 2015 WorldSBK title in Spain on Sunday, Sylvain Guintoli’s reign as World Champion was over.

Although Guintoli will retain the number 1 plate until the end of the season, having won the title on an Aprilia before switching to the Pata Honda World Superbike Team for which Rea competed last year, he admits to a hint of melancholy.

“Well, you know…I knew very early in the season that it was going to be very hard to defend the title,” Guintoli told WorldSBK.com during Monday’s post-event test in Jerez. “If anything, I am happy it went to Johnny because he has had many years of pushing really hard and this year everything has gone well for him.”

Describing the moment Rea won the title in Race 1, Guintoli continued:

“It made me feel sad [laughs], but it made me feel happy as well. Time just goes on. The title will always be there for me. I suppose it’s a good to refocus on the future.”

Guintoli is yet to declare his plans for the upcoming 2016 campaign, although several publications have reported over recent weeks that the Frenchman – who now resides in the UK – is set to be trading in his Honda for alternative machinery.