MotoGP man Sylvain Guintoli targets Yamaha WSB ride

Current Alice Ducati MotoGP rider Sylvain Guintoli spent the Donington Park WSB round in a series of meetings with team bosses and has emerged as a possible candidate for the factory Yamaha Italia WSB squad in 2009.

The 26 year old Frenchman has had some impressive rides during his two year MotoGP career, with a best result of fourth in Japan, but seems unlikely to be able to secure a place on the 2009 grid.

As a result he has turned his attention to WSB and with the expected departure of Noriyuki Haga to the factory Ducati squad, is well placed for a move to Yamaha.

Speaking to MCN, he said: “I met with the Yamaha guys a couple of times at Donington and this would be a very good option for me. It was the first time for me at a World Superbike race, but my feeling was good and the paddock did not look so much different from MotoGP.”

After a successful 250GP career where he finished top privateer in 2006, Guintoli signed for the Yamaha Tech 3 squad in MotoGP for the 2007 season so is no stranger to Yamaha.

“I have some options in WSB and MotoGP but the Yamaha WSB ride is the best option. I had a good relationship with Yamaha before and it would be nice to come back to the Yamaha family. The team also have a new bike for next season which would be very interesting for me”

The Italian team are currently working on their 2009 rider line up following the predicted departure of Noriyuki Haga. Current rider Troy Corser’s future is also unclear with a much mooted ride for BMW, meaning that there could even be two rides available in the factory squad.

He said:

“I do not know what other riders they are talking to, but I hope have a decision in the next two to three weeks.”