Guintoli: We need to improve

Reigning World Superbike champion Sylvain Guintoli has admitted that his Pata Honda World Superbike team have to find improvements from the CBR1000RR before long, after a difficult start to his first season as champion.

Guintoli, who ended his record-breaking streak of points scoring finishes at the third round of the series at Aragon, has taken a best result of fifth so far this year; a far cry from this time last year, where he had a pair of wins and a collection of podium finishes to his name.

“It’s no secret that we’re struggling a little at the minute, so hopefully we can improve our performance and get a little bit closer to the podium now. The new rules haven’t really suited the old package very well, but we’re working hard.

“Honda and Ten Kate are working very hard, but it’s difficult to try and close in that gap. The main target is to be consistent and to get closer to the podium. That would be a great goal for us to reach, but it’s going to take a lot of hard work.”

The Frenchman will get his season back underway in three weeks time, at California’s Laguna Seca.