Guintoli playing catch-up at Aragon

Reigning World Superbike champion Sylvain Guintoli says that this weekend’s third round of the World Superbike championship at northern Spain’s Aragon circuit is all about playing catch-up to his rivals after a poor start to his season in both Australia and Thailand.

The English-based Frenchman crashed heavily during pre-season testing at Jerez after an electrical fault on his Pata Honda. Injuring his neck, back and shoulder in the crash, he has struggled since to return to full fitness.

“It’s clear that we haven’t been fulfilling our potential in the first races of the season. My physical condition is still improving and I’m feeling better than I was in Thailand, so that’s all going in the right direction, but we need to improve our overall performance so that we can fight at the front.

“We’re all working hard to realize the potential of the package, especially in the areas of engine brake and power delivery. Testing conditions were not very good when we were at Aragon in January but the weather should be better this weekend. I’m looking forward to getting back there on the CBR, though; it’s a good track and I’m happy they’ve taken out the hairpin at the end of the lap, which kind of broke the flow.”