After a highside crash resulting in a broken ankle during Tissot-Superpole 2 at the Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari in Imola, Sylvain Guintoli has been a notable absence from the WorldSBK grid, missing the Rounds in Malaysia and at Donington Park. The Frenchman was present at Donington however, and followed the track action from the Pata Yamaha garage before speaking to WorldSBK.com.
“It was a strange feeling,” said Guintoli of his crash, and who says the memory of the moment is clear despite the violent nature of the incident. “I was in the dark and I didn’t really understand well what was happening. I couldn’t move. I wouldn’t want anyone to go through that but I’m still here – and that’s the most important thing. I feel ok. The first couple of weeks were difficult, but I feel a lot better now. I’m looking forward to getting back on the bike.”
The French Yamaha rider didn’t comment on the cause of the crash, instead turning his attention on a return at Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli for the next Round of the 2016 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship.
“It’s a relatively simple fracture,” said Guintoli. “The surgeon in England did a fantastic job because after less than three weeks of recovery, I feel very good. I think I’ll be able to walk soon, and I shouldn’t have too many problems in Misano. I’ll do everything I can to come back as quickly as possible – I want to be at 100% before getting on the bike.”
Round 8 will take place at Misano on the Adriatic Coast of Italy from the 17th-19th June as Guintoli prepares to return to his Yamaha to rejoin the WorldSBK grid of rivals old and new.