News

As the final two rounds of the 2017 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship approach, Kawasaki Puccetti Racing have announced they will welcome the return of Sylvain Guintoli to the paddock, racing for the team at Jerez and Qatar.

The French rider took a step back from the WorldSBK paddock this season, but will return on board the ZX-10RR at circuits which he has seen success around in the past; finishing on the podium around Jerez on three occasions and winning around Qatar twice. Securing the world title in 2014 around Losail International Circuit, the 35 year old has some good memories around the circuit, and is keen to try out the green machine.

"I am very happy to be able to return to the MOTUL FIM World Superbike Championship for the last two rounds of the season,” beams Guintoli. “Jerez and Doha are two fantastic tracks, of which I have beautiful memories of past years. I cannot wait to try the Kawasaki ZX-10RR and I want to thank both Manuel and Kawasaki for this great opportunity. "

Team-manager Puccetti has had a tough season with his riders sustaining injuries throughout 2017, but the Italian is thrilled to have Guintoli on board, hoping to have a strong end to 2017.

"We are very happy to have a top rider like Sylvain riding our bike for the final 2017 rounds,” adds Puccetti. “Guintoli is a strong rider with several seasons in MotoGP™. His experience will be important to continue the team's growth.”

On top of the news regarding Guintoli’s return, there is more change in the Puccetti’s World Supersport Team, as they draft in Axel Bassani to replace an injured Sofuoglu. The Italian will be on ‘stand-by’ if Sofuoglu is not classed as fit ahead of the weekend. Anthony West will make the step over from the WorldSBK team to the WorldSSP team, replacing Kyle Ryde.

Puccetti continues: “In Supersport unfortunately the rider’s championship is almost impossible to win, but we aren’t giving up on the team championship. The objective of Canducci, Bassani and West will be to finish the race in the top 5. Even in the STK1000, the title is still on the line. It will not be easy, but we will try. "

Italian Bassani is delighted about the news: "I'm happy to be able to finally get on the go! It's been months for me to look like this and finally it's over! I will do my best to replace the world champion worthily. Now I just think of concentrating on the racing weekend! "

Keep up with the Kawasaki Puccetti Racing team’s progress throughout all three classes this weekend, all with the WorldSBK VideoPass.