Sylvain Guintoli does not believe his participation in the opening round of the World Superbike season is in jeopardy despite sustaining injuries in a testing crash at Jerez. The Frenchman fell from his PATA Honda on his third flying lap of the week and was forced to take no further part in proceedings.
With his test effectively over before it had begun, Guintoli flew back to England for treatment and although he suffered severe bruising, the 32 year old hasn’t broken any bones and has already started his rehabilitation with the use of a hyperbaric chamber. With three weeks to go before the season opener in Australia, Guintoli is optimistic that he will be fit to begin his title defence on February 22.
“The back is still quite painful but I can put some pressure on the ankle and I’m happy that there are no breaks. The treatment has started and although it will take a while to settle down, I’m confident about being fit and ready to start the season at Phillip Island next month.”
Despite the physical pain, Guintoli is most concerned by the loss of track time that resulted from his accident but he hopes to make up for lost time when he arrives Down Under.
“In the end, it was frustrating to miss the test at Jerez, especially because the weather conditions were so good. But we have another two-day test in Australia before the first round and I’ve already had a chance to see the work that has been done to the CBR over the winter, so I’m excited and looking forward to the first race.”