Jules Cluzel joins FIXI Crescent Suzuki

World Supersport sensation Jules Cluzel has signed for the British Fixi Crescent Suzuki team to race in WSB in 2013. Cluzel arrived in the WSB paddock riding the PTR Honda in WSS in 2012, finishing runner-up in the standings with four wins and eight podiums to his credit.

The exuberant Frenchman showed both pace and consistency which as a result means he has secured the last of the top team rides in WSB and will line up alongside Brit Leon Camier in the two man team. Cluzel will get his first ride on the bike in January 2013 after the six week winter testing ban is lifted.

Cluzel said: “I am really excited to be joining the FIXI Crescent Suzuki team. It is a big step in my career, but one that I am very happy to take. When I was given the option to work with Suzuki in World Superbikes, I did not need to think about it twice and I just said a big “Yes!” straight away. I am really motivated by the whole project and I know that this is what I want.

I will make sure I’m totally ready for the first race and plan to learn not only quickly, but also intelligently. I cannot wait to start work and I am also really pleased to be working with an English team.  I now just want to get on the bike and see how it goes, do my best and challenge for some good results.”

Team owner Paul Denning added: “Securing Leon’s team-mate for 2013 hasn’t exactly been the smoothest process, but in the end we couldn’t be happier with the result! Jules is young, fast and aggressive and has shown that he can adapt to new bikes and new championships very quickly.

His 250GP and Moto2 experience provides an understanding and feeling for stiffer, less forgiving ‘race-bikes’ which the WSBK machines have developed into, and we anticipate a quick transition to the GSX-R. Any rider who has won a Moto2 race – and finished ahead of riders like Stefan Bradl and Scott Redding in the Championship standings – and then come to such a competitive series as World Supersport and just missed out on becoming Champion in his first year, clearly has a great talent – we are excited to have Jules with us!”

The subject of Crescents second rider has been a hot topic in recent weeks. Sylvain Guintoli had signed for the team three weeks ago only to be released from his contract after pursuing a job with the factory Aprilia team. Guintoli’s 2013 plans remain unclear at this stage.