Crescent Suzuki blast Guintoli for reneging on 2013 contract

Crescent Suzuki boss Paul Denning has spoken of his extreme disappointment over Sylvain Guintoli’s decision not to honour a signed contract to ride for his team in WSB 2013.

As reported in MCN last week, Guintoli signed a contract with the Fixi Crescent Suzuki team on Sunday at Magny Cours, only to tell Denning on Monday morning that he had been offered a ride in the factory Aprilia Racing squad.

With a planned three day test at Aragon starting this week where both Aprilia and Suzuki will be present, Guintoli only had a finite amount of time to make his decision, but it is now clear that Guintoli will not ride for Crescent after being released from his contract earlier today.

However, Guintoli is still unconfirmed at Aprilia leaving his future open to speculation. His cause has not been helped by Biaggi’s participation in the Aragon test with Aprilia today with the Italian widely tipped to be continuing to race in WSB in 2013.

Denning said: ““I am extremely disappointed and surprised by Sylvain’s lack of integrity and total lack of respect for the mutual commitments made. He is the last rider I would have expected to behave in such a way, especially as we have had a close professional and personal relationship previously.

“Our team has always tried to stand by the fundamental principle that you stick to what you’ve agreed to, and in the long run it’s always been the best policy.

“Sylvain clearly doesn’t feel the same way and is prepared to ignore a handshake, a gentleman’s agreement and indeed a written contract – and that’s a great shame.

“Our energies are now focused on looking forward to the positive opportunities we have as a team in 2013.

“We are delighted that Josh has been able to join us on such short notice to help us with our plans for next season – he’s had a very strong season with the Suzuki Australian Superbike team and he performed brilliantly for our partners, Yoshimura, in the Suzuka 8-Hour race.

“I am sure he will settle in with the crew quickly and we’re all looking forward to seeing how he goes! ”